THE   LIBRARIES 


Bequest  of 
Frederic  Bancroft 

1860-1945 


ify^- 


J 


LIFE  AND  LETTERS 


MARY  S.  LIPPINCOTT 


LATE   OF   CAMDEN,  NEW  JERSEY, 


A  MINISTER  IN  THE  SOCIETY  OF  FRIENDS. 


/  love  f/ieiii  that  love  iiic  ;  and  those  that  seek  me  early  shall  find  me. 

Prov.  viii:  17. 


PH ILADELfH  JA: 
Wm.  H.  Pile's   Sons,  Printers,  422  \\'alnut  Street. 

1893. 


y^9f^<^ 


•  •  •      "*      *    • 


•  •  • 

»    ft »      ^ 


PREFACE. 

The  reader  will  bear  in  mind  that  this  work  has  been  prepared 
tor  the  press  at  the  request,  and  by  direction  ot  some  ot  the  rela- 
tives of  M.  S.  L. 

These  felt  desirous  to  preserve  her  writings  in  a  form  more 
convenient  and  more  permanent  than  that  of  manuscript,  also  to 
give  to  the  many  who  had  known  and  loved  her,  an  opportunity 
to  learn  something  of  her  inner,   as  well  as  ot    her  outer  lite. 

In  the  hope  that  it  may  prove  acceptable  to  her  friends  with- 
out, as  well  as  to  those  within  the  circle  of  kindred,  and  to  some 
even  beyond  the  limits  of  personal  acquaintance,  it  is  submitted  to 
such  as  may  feel  inclined  to  peruse  it. 


CONTENTS 


Introduction— Memorial, 

CHAPTER    I. 

Birth,  Parentage  and  Family  —  Shueniakertown  —  Benjamin  Shoemaker's 
Death — Removal  to  Horsham — First  School — Removal  to  Abington — 
Goes  to  Westtown  —  Death  of  her  brother  James  —  Goes  to  Fair  Hill 
School — Returns  to  Cheltenham  —  Goes  to  Westtown  as  Teacher — Re- 
ligious Exercises — Friends  who  Visited  at  Westtown — Goes  to  Rennselaer- 
ville — Marriage — Removal  to  Chesterville— Gift  in  the  Ministry  Acknowl- 
edged— Her  Children — Removal  to  Moorestown  —  Boarding  School  — 
Death  of  Comly  Shoemaker  —  Clerk  of  Women's  Yearly  Meeting  — 
Death  of  her  Mother — Death  of  Husband — Death  of  Brother  and  Sisters 
—  Removal  to  Camden  —  Religious  Visits  —  Death  of  Daughter  —  Last 
Years — Death. 

CHAPTER    II. 

Self  Examination  —  The  Westtown  Meetings  for  Worship  —  William  Flanner 
— J.Cook  —  William  Foster  —  John  Mott  —  Jesse  Haines  —  Great  Dis- 
couragement— [Long  Interval]  —  Review  of  Writings — Concern  for  Slave 
Holders^Prospect  of  Opening  School — New  Year  Reflections — Death  of 
Mary  Jessup  —  Death  of  Naomi  Passmore  —  Birthday  Reflections  —  The 
Widow's  Loneliness — The  War — Discontinuance  of  School — Last  Entry 
in  Diary. 

CHAPTER    III. 

Letters  to  One  Young  in  the  Ministry — To  her  Nephew — To  her  Grandson 
— To  George  Hatton — To  R.  and  S.  H. — To  her  Daughter — To  George 
Hatton — To  her  Granddaughter — Detached  Paragraphs  from   Letters. 


vi  Contents. 

CHAPTER    IV. 

A  Word  of  Exhortation — P'or  the  Journal  —  A  Fragment — Passing  Time — 
Honor  and  Duty  —  Secret  for  Happiness — The  Members  and  the  Body 
—  The  Friends  —  Out  of  my  Place  —  My  Daily  Duties  —  A  Contrast  — 
George  Parker — Anna  B.  Wells — Isaac  Lippincott — Jane  S.  Lippincott. 

CHAPTER    V. 

An  Aspiration  —  The  Struggle  —  Overcoming  Temptation  —  Reflections  — 
Nature— Truth— Hymn— Hymn— To  A.J.  S.— A  Prayer — Lines  to  R.  S. 
Parting  Lines — A  Thought — An  Aspiration — Bless  Us,  O  Father,  Bless 
— To  My  Husband — The  Star — To  George  Hatton— Stanzas — Life — On 
the  Death  of  my  Husband— My  Departed  Husband. 


INTRODUCTION. 


In  preparing  for  publication  the  writings  of  iMary  S.  Lippincott, 
it  seemed  desirable  to  give  the  prominent  incidents  of  her  life  in  the 
order  of  their  occurrence,  and  to  make  the  account  as  nearly  complete 
as  the  preserved  ■memoranda,  with  some  additi(jnal  information,  would 
warrant. 

To  do  this,  in\o]\ed  the  necessity  of  collecting  items  from  dif- 
ferent sources,  and  of  arranging  them  in  the  order  ot  time,  or  of 
subject,  as  nearly  as  the  void  intervals  would  ]:)crmit,  and  as  the 
narration  of  the  incidents  seemed  to  require. 

Chapter  I.  has  been  prepared  on  this  general  plan  ;  and  since 
much  of  the  information  was  unwritten,  the  phraseology  could  not  be 
given,  but  the  attempt  has  been  made  to  render  the  thought,  and  to 
supply  such  details  as  the  data  would  furnish. 

From  her  tenth  to  her  eighteenth  year  there  is  little  to  be  found 
in  the  records  of  the  family,  and  from  the  time  of  her  marriage  until 
after  her  removal  to  Moorestown,  a  period  of  thirteen  years,  the  Diary 
is  a  blank.  From  the  year  1842  until  the  close  of  her  life,  we  are 
fairly  well  informed  of  the  most  important  incidents  connected  with 
her  personal  history,  and  also  of  her  impressions  and  religious  ex- 
ercises. The  first  entry  in  her  Diary  [that  has  been  preserved]  was 
made  when  she  was  in  her  twenty-third  year  ;  and  the  last  one  was 
recorded  on  the  seventy- fourth  anniversary  of  her  birth-day.  Family 
memoranda,  oral  information,  and  some  reminiscences  have  furnished 
the  information  given  before  the  former  date  ;  and  her  own  letters, 
the  accounts  of  her  friends  who  visited  her,  also  the  testimony  of 
members  of  her  family,  and  of  the  physician  who  attended  her,  have 
been  drawn  upon  for  the  remaining  thirteen  years  of  her  life. 

Chapter  II.  needed  but  little  aheration,  and  no  additions  ;  and 
as  it  is  her  own  account  of  her  trials  and  exercises,  it  will  be  of  in- 
terest to  those  who  can  enter  into  sympathy  with  the  pathetic  narra- 
tion of  her  experience.  As  it  gives  a  view  of  her  inner  life,  it  enables 
us  the  more  to  appreciate  her  minisiry,  after  we  ha\'e  seen  the  depths 
from  which  it  was  evolved. 


viii  Introduction. 

Chaptp:r  III.  is  a  series  of  extracts  from  a  voluminous  cor- 
respondence ;  and  it  introduces  the  reader  into  her  society  as  she  was 
known  in  her  middle  and  later  life.  Though  few  of  the  letters  have 
been  given  in  full,  yet  it  was  not  deemed  necessary  to  mark  the 
omissions  by  asterisks,  but  simply  to  make  this  statement  in  lieu 
thereof  As  a  letter-writer  she  was  natural  and  versatile  ;  and  could 
her  effusions,  sent  to  her  absent  friends,  have  been  published  entire, 
they  would  have  been  marked  by  the  same  easy  flow  of  expression 
that  gave  such  a  charm  to  her  conversation  in  the  social  circle. 

But  there  were  many  matters  of  interest  to  her  correspondents, 
and  especially'  so  at  the  time  of  her  writing  them,  that  did  not  seem 
adapted  to  a  wider  circle  of  readers.  As  has  been  well  said,  it  is  a 
delicate  matter  to  publish  private  letters  without  the  consent  of  the 
writer. 

Chapter  IV.  is  a  collection  of  papers  on  different  subjects,  each 
of  which  had  made  such  an  impression  upon  her  mind,  that  she 
thought  it  worthy  of  record.  The  last  four  of  these  papers  are  de- 
scriptions of  death-bed  scenes,  to  three  of  which  she  was  a  witness 
and  for  all  four  of  the  deceased  she  was,  in  the  Christian  acceptation  of 
the  word,  a  mourner.  With  the  exceptions  of  these  obituaries,  there 
was  no  personality  requiring  omission  or  abridgement  in  this  chapter. 

Chapter  V.  consists  of  metrical  effusions,  written  at  different 
periods  of  her  life,  but  all  of  them  between  her  twenty-first  and  her 
sixtieth  year.  Her  fancy  was  lively,  her  expression  free,  and  her  love 
of  nature  as  genuine,  as  it  seemed  ardent.  Of  the  standard  poets  it 
would  appear  that  Cowper  was  her  favorite.  In  her  appreciation  of 
poetry,  as  in  other  matters,  she  was  too  sincere  to  affect  admiration 
for  anything  merely  because  it  was  conventional. 

In  the  Appendix  will  be  found  a  number  of  miscellaneous  items, 
that  are  directly  or  indirectly  connected  with  the  life  of  the  subject ; 
and  on  account  of  this  connection  it  seemed  fitting  to  give  them  a 
place.  Some  of  these  have  come  to  hand  while  the  work  was  going 
through  the  press. 

In  conclusion,  the  editor  would  acknowledge  his  indebtedness  to 
friends  who  ha\'e  rendered  valuable  assistance  in  the  preparation,  the 
puhlieation  and  the  distribntion  of  the  work. 

Hugh  Foulke. 

Philadelphia,  Penna.,  Second  Month  aSth,  1893. 


MEMORIAL 

OF 

MARY   S.  LIPPINCOTT, 


A  Memorial  of  Chester  MontJily  Meeting^  Neiv  Jersey^ 
concerfiing  oitr  deceased  friend^  Mary  S.  LippincoTT. 

Under  a  sense  of  the  loss  that  we  have  sustained 
by  the  death  of  this  dear  and  valued  Friend,  we  feel  it 
right  to  make  a  brief  record  of  her  life,  and  of  her  re- 
ligious experience,  for  the  benefit  of  survivors,  desiring 
that  it  may  serve  as  an  incentive,  especially  to  those  who 
are  in  the  morning  of  life,  to  walk  in  the  path  of  obedi- 
ence to  manifested  duty,  and  to  profit  by  the  example  of 
one,  who  b}^  an  early  dedication  of  all  her  faculties,  ex- 
perienced preservation  from  evil,  strength  in  weakness, 
and  comfort  in  seasons  of  outward  trial. 

Mary  S.  Lippincott,  daughter  of  Anthony  and  Jane 
S.  Hallowell,  was  born  on  the  twenty-third  day  of  the 
Sixth  Month,  in  the  year  1801,  in  Cheltenham  Township, 
Montgomery  County,  Pennsylvania,  and  was  a  birthright 
member  of  the  religious  Society  of  Friends.  She  was 
endowed  with  a  vigorous  intellect,  and  retentive  memory. 


10  Mennorial  of 

and  before  she  Had  concluded  her  tenth  year,  had  read 
aloud  to  her  grandfather,  Benjamin  Shoemaker,  the  Bible, 
as  well  as  the  Journal  of  George  Fox,  and  portions  gf 
other  Friends',  works. 

The  influence  of  this  early  course  of  reading  was 
plainly  manifest  throughout  her  life,  as  she  was  both 
ready  and  accurate  in  her  quotations  from  the  Scriptures, 
and  familiar  with  the  writings  of  early  Friends. 

Her  school  education  was  received  at  day  schools  at 
Hatboro  and  Abington,  and  at  boarding-schools  at  West- 
town  in  Pennsylvania,  and  at  Fair  Hill  in  Maryland. 
When  about  twenty-one  years  of  age,  she  engaged  in 
teaching,  a  work  for  which  she  seemed  to  be  fitted,  both 
by  nature  and  training,  and  which  was  not  finally  aban- 
doned until  she  was  in  her  eightieth  year.  She  taught  at 
Cheltenham,  Abington  and  Westtown,  in  Pennsylvania ; 
at  Fair  Hill,  in  Mar3dand  ;  at  Alexandria,  in  Virginia ; 
and  at  Rensselaerville,  in  New  York. 

In  1829,  she  was  married  to  Isaac  L-ippincott,  a  mem- 
ber of  Chester  Monthly  Meeting,  New  Jersey,  and  removed 
to  reside  with  him,  becoming  a  member  of  the  same  meet- 
ing, and  so  continuing  until  her  death.  In  1842,  she 
and  her  husband,  established  the  Moorestown  Boarding 
School  for  Girls,  which  was  continued  under  her  super- 
vision for  a  period  of  thirty-eight  j^ears.  The  influence 
for  good  which  went  out  from  this  institution  has  been 
widely  felt.  Her  pupils  not  onl}^  received  thorough  in- 
struction in  the  ordinar};^  branches  of  a  school  education, 
but  their  moral  and  spiritual  being  was  carefullj^  nur- 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  11 

tured,  and  the  training  there  received  was  of  priceless 
value  in  after  life.  In  the  matter  of  school  and  family 
discipline  it  may  truly  be  said  that  she  "  ruled  with 
meekness, — they  obeyed  with  joy  " — and  her  authority 
"was  but  the  graver  countenance  of  love."  In  the  edu- 
cation of  young  women  whose  means  were  limited  she 
was  almost  over-generous,  and  in  this  and  in  other  acts 
of  beneficence  she  did  much  that  was  only  known  to  her- 
self and  to  those  whom  she  benefited.  She  was  ever 
desirous  that  an  increased  liberality  might  prevail  in  the 
Society  for  the  advancement  of  its  schools,  and  encour- 
aged Friends  to  improve  those  they  had,  and  to  use  their 
best  endeavors  in  the  establishment  of  others. 

It  would  appear  from  the  memoranda,  that  she  was 
early  brought  under  the  preparing  Hand  for  service  in 
her  Master's  vine^-ard.  She  records  that  while  a  school 
girl,  engaged  in  some  household  duties,  being  in  a  serious 
state  of  mind,  her  spiritual  ear  was  saluted  with  the 
language:  "Simon,  son  of  Jonas,  lovest  thou  me?" 
"Feed  my  sheep."  This  salutation  seemed  to  foretell 
the  labor  that  would  be  required  of  her,  and  she  alludes 
to  its  fulfilment  many  years  afterwards. 

When  about  twenty-two  years  of  age,  and  for  some 
time  subsequently,  she  passed  through  many  deep  bap- 
tisms ;  of  these  she  has  left  abundant  notes.  In  the  early 
part  of  the  year  1824,  she  records  a  fervent  prayer,  a  part 
of  which  is  as  follows  :  "Be  pleased,  O  righteous  Father! 
to  look  down  with  pity  on  a  poor  frail  mortal  of  the  dust, 
whose  heart  is  ready  to  sink,  and  who  is   almost  over- 


12  Mennorial  of 

whelmed.  Suffer  me  not  to  perish,  but  keep  me,  I  be- 
seech Thee,  and  suffer  me  to  abide  under  the  shadow  of 
Thy  wing.  Cleanse  me,  purify  me,  try  me,  prove  me,  and 
spare  not  the  rod,  till  all  within  me  that  is  offensive  in 
Thy  sight,  be  purged  away.  Refine  me,  and  baptize  me 
again  and  again,  if  consistent  with  Thy  holy  will.  Create 
in  me  a  clean  heart,  and  renew  a  right  spirit  within  me. 
Teach  me  humility,  yea  keep  me  down  in  the  valley,  that 
I  may  not  think  much  of  myself.  Lead  me  wheresoever 
Thou  desirest  me  to  go,  and  make  me  willing  to  bow  in 
full  submission  to  Thy  holy  presence." 

She  was  then  in  the  twent3^-third  year  of  her  age, 
and  feeling  deeply  exercised,  she  writes  that  she  w^as  not 
at  liberty  to  unburden  her  mind  to  any  human  being, 
but  adds  :  "I  believe  it  best  for  me  to  be  sober  in  all  my 
movements,  cjuiet  and  retired,  that  I  may  be  more  watch- 
ful over  myself."  The  time  for  her  to  be  cheerful  had 
not  3^et  come,  and  those  who  tried  to  anticipate  it,  were 
strangers  to  her  inward  struggles. 

She  lived  in  the  desire  to  do  good,  and  as  she  grew 
older,  became  convinced  that  it  was  obedience  to  mani- 
festations from  the  Most  High  that  qualified  for  good 
works, — even  the  Grace  of  God  that  maketh  known  the 
Divine  will  to  his  children,  and  givetli  ability  to  per- 
form it. 

As  she  followed  her  convictions,  she  was  earl}'  led 
to  exhort  others  with  much  tenderness,  to  a  dependence 
on  the  same  Divine  Comforter,  expressing  the  assurance 
that    under    its    guidance    ever}-  human    effort,    however 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  13 

small,  when  made  with  a  sincere  desire  to  do  good,  is 
acceptable  with  the  Father.  B3'  abiding  in  hnmility, 
and  keeping  a  strict  watch  over  herself,  in  condnct, 
conversation,  and  thoughts,  she  graduall}^  experienced 
a  growth  in  grace,  and  in  her  ministerial  gift.  In  her 
twenty-ninth  year,  with  the  full  unity  of  her  meeting, 
her  gift  in  the  ministry  was  acknowledged  and  approved. 

In  the  3'ear  1845  she  was  appointed  Clerk  of  the 
Yearly  Meeting  of  Women  Friends  held  in  Philadelphia, 
and  b}^  successive  appointments,  filled  that  position  until 
1867.  For  this  service  she  had  unusual  qualifications, 
— executive  abilit}',  great  forbearance,  and  an  inward  cri- 
terion for  determining  the  true  sense  of  the  meeting, — 
all  combined  with  readiness  and  felicity  of  expression. 
While  faithfully  serving  the  meeting  as  Clerk,  she  was 
careful  not  to  neglect  her  individual  exercises.  Some- 
times she  would  find  it  necessar}^  to  lay  down  her  pen, 
get  into  the  quiet,  and  find  what  she  had  to  do.  After 
a  short  season  of  waiting,  she  would  arise,  deliver  her 
message  with  clearness  and  power,  and  then  proceed 
with  the  business  of  the  meeting. 

A  concern  opened  by  our  Friend  at  the  close  of  a 
First-da}'  morning  meeting,  was  the  origin  of  the  First- 
day  school  at  Moorestown,  which  was  one  of  the  first 
within  the  limits  of  Philadelphia  Yearly  Meeting.  She 
entered  upon  this  important  work  with  her  usual  earnest- 
ness, and  was  Superintendent  of  the  school  for  many 
years.  Here,  as  in  her  ministry,  she  did  not  feel  called 
to  sound  the  note  of  controversial  doctrine,  but  her  teach- 


14  •      Merr)orial  of 

ing  was  according  to  the  new  commandment  given  by 
Jesus, — "That  3^e  love  one  another."  The  testimonies 
embraced  in  our  first  and  second  Queries,  were  to  her, 
vital  realities,  and  her  steadfast  endeavor  to  maintain 
them  has  been  of  lasting  benefit. 

Her  heart  ever  went  out  in  sympathy  to  those  in 
distress,  affliction,  or  bereavement,  and  amid  her  many 
engrossing  cares  and  labors  she  was  never  too  busy,  or 
too  weary,  to  listen  to  their  troubles,  to  give  words  of 
advice,  encouragement  or  consolation,  and  to  the  extent 
of  her  ability,  share  their  burden. 

In  her  middle  and  later  life,  she  was  a  bright  exam- 
ple of  the  happiness  to  be  experienced  from  a  full  sur- 
render, and  an  early  dedication  of  heart.  In  the  social 
circle  she  was  a  general  favorite,  her  animated  and  in- 
teresting conversation  being  instructive  and  enlivening, 
both  to  the  young  and  the  old. 

About  eight  years  before  her  death,  she  and  her  two 
daughters  removed  to  Camden,  New  Jersey,  where,  so 
long  as  her  health  permitted,  she  continued  to  attend 
meetings. 

Her  life  as  to  the  outward  was  a  checkered  one,  and 
many  were  her  trials  and  bereavements.  Her  aged 
mother,  who  died  in  1847,  was  the  object  of  her  tender 
care,  and  her  faithful  ministrations  to  promote  the  com- 
fort of  this  revered  parent,  are  worthy  of  record,  as  well 
as  imitation.  The  loss  of  her  husband,  in  1858,  was 
keenly  felt.  As  partners  in  life  they  had  been  conge- 
nial and  closely  united,  and  as  an  elder  he  had  synipa- 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  15 

thized  and  traveled  with  her  in  her  religious  exercises. 
Of  five  [six]  children,  only  one  survived  her. 

But  throughout  all  she  was  sustained  by  an  unfal- 
tering trust.  One  of  her  pupils  gives  expression  to  the 
feelings  of  man}',  when  she  says  :  '^  I  have  marvelled  at 
her  cheerfulness,  her  courage,  her  patience,  and  her  un- 
wavering faith  in  the  goodness  and  protecting  care  of 
her  Heavenl}^  Father." 

During  her  last  illness,  which  she  bore  with  great 
fortitude,  she  said  to  her  friends  that  her  sufferings 
were  doubtless  permitted  for  a  wise,  though  unseen  pur- 
pose, and  was  comforted  with  the  firm  belief  that  she 
would  be  accepted.  That  ''  more  sure  word  of  prophecy" 
to  which  she  earl}-  gave  heed,  and  which  had  been  fol- 
lowed b}'  the  dawning  of  the  daj^  and  the  arising  of  the 
day-star  in  her  heart,  had  been  her  faith  through  life  ; 
and  when  her  sun  was  about  to  go  down  in  brightness, 
she  desired  that  the  young  might  have  their  attention 
called  to  this  same  more  sure  Word. 

With  full  faith  in  the  promise  of  a  happy  eternity, 
she  made  a  peaceful  close  on  the  i8th  of  the  Fourth 
Month,  1888,  and  on  the  21st  of  the  same  her  remains 
were  interred  in  Friends'  burial  ground  at  Moorestown. 

She  was  aged  nearly  eighty-seven  years,  sixty  of 
which  she  had  been  a  faithful  and  acceptable  minister 
of  the  Gospel. 


16  Merr]orial  of 

Read  and  approved  in  Chester  Monthly  Meeting  of 
Friends,  held  at  Moorestown,  N.  J.,  Third  Month  7th, 
1889,  and  directed  to  be  forwarded  to  the  Quarterly 
Meeting. 

John  M.  Lippincott,  \  clerks. 
Rachel  A.  Collins,  ( 


Read  and  approved  in  Haddonfield  Quarterly  Meet- 
ing of  Friends,  held  at  Moorestown,  N.  J.,  Third  Month 
7th,  1889,  and  directed  to  be  forwarded  to  the  Repre- 
sentative Committee  or  Meeting  for  Sufferings. 

Clayton  Conrow,        ]  d    kr 
Elizabeth  L.  Jessup,  ) 


LIKK   AND    LHTTERS 

OF 

MARY    S.    LIPPINCOTT, 


CHAPTER    I. 

A    BRIEF    ACCOUNT    OF    HER    EIFE. 

Mary  S.  Hallowell  was  the  daughter  of  Anthony 
and  Jane  Hallowell,  and  was  born  in  Cheltenham  Town- 
ship, Montgomer}^  County,  Pennsylvania,  on  the  23rd 
of  Sixth  Month,  1801.  Her  parents  being  members  of 
the  religious  Society  of  Friends,  she  had  a  birthright 
therein,  and  her  name  was  so  recorded  on  the  books  of 
Abington  Monthly  Meeting. 

Her  grandparents  were  William  and  Mary  [Wil- 
liams] Hallowell,  and  Benjamin  and  Mary  [Comly] 
Shoemaker.  She  was  the  fifth  and  youngest  child,  and 
only  daughter  of  the  family.  Her  name  combines  those 
of  her  two  grandmothers,  Mary  Shoemaker  Hallowell. 

Her  brothers  were  James  S.,  Benjamin  (who  died  in 
infancy,)  Joseph,  and  Benjamin. 

The  place  of  her  birth  was  the  homestead  of  her 
grandfather  Shoemaker ;  and  the  house  which  stood 
until  quite  recently,  was  near  the  corner  of  York  Road 
and    Cheltenham    Avenue.       The    latter    is    sometimes 


18  Life  and  Letters  of 

called  Clielten  Avenue,  and  was  formerly  known  as 
"  Graveyard  Lane."  It  took  its  earl 3^  name  from  a  small 
enclosure,  which  was  commonly  called  "  The  Shoemaker 
Bur3'ing  Ground,"  though  more  properl}'  designated  as 
Cheltenham  Friends'  Burial  Ground.  It  is  situated  on 
Cheltenham  Avenue,  a  short  distance  abo\e  where  Ben- 
jamin Shoemaker's  buildings  stood,  and  on  the  opposite 
side  of  the  road.  It  has  recently  been  ascertained  that 
fort^^-five  persons  named  Shoemaker,  besides  the  nianj^ 
descendants  of  the  family  having  other  names,  have 
l)een  interred  in  this  ground. 

The  place  is  in  close  proximit}^  to  the  village  of 
Ogontz,  which  was,  until  quite  recently,  called  Shoe- 
makertown,  as  most  of  the  prominent  residents,  and 
nearly  all  the  propert}^  owners,  w^ere  named  Shoemaker. 

So  far  as  we  can  learn,  tlie}^  were  (nearly,  if  not 
quite  all)  members  of  the  Society  of  Friends,  and  were 
persons  of  good  repute;  being  honest,  industrious,  thrifty, 
benevolent,  and  some  of  them — for  that  time — quite  well 
educated. 

Their  ancestor,  George  Shoemaker,  came  with  his 
family  from  Kreisheim,  near  Heidelburg,  in  the  Palati- 
nate, to  England.  From  London  thev  embarked  for 
Penns3dvania,  in  the  ship  Jejferies^  Thomas  Arnold, 
master.  On  the  passage  the  small-pox  broke  out,  and 
many  of  the  passengers  died,  among  the  number  being 
George  Shoemaker.  His  family,  consisting  of  a  wife 
and  seven  children,  were  thus  left  to  establish  themselves, 
and  found  a  home  in  the  New  World.     They  landed  at 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  19 

Chester,  Pennsylvania,  in  the  earl}-  part  of  the  3'ear 
1686,  and  came  np  to  Gerniantown,  now  a  part  of  the 
city  of  Philadelphia. 

The  eldest  son,  George  Shoemaker,  Jr.,  was  about 
twent3^-three  3'ears  old,  and  being  a  steady,  capable 
young  man,  as  well  as  a  dutiful  son,  he  assisted  his 
mother  in  the  care  of  the  3-ounger  chiklren. 

About  eight  years  after  their  arrival  in  America, 
George  married  Sarah  Wall,  the  ■granddaughter  and 
only  descendant  of  Richard  Wall,  an  English  Friend 
who  had  settled  in  Cheltenham. 

It  would  appear  from  the  records  that  Richard  took 
much  interest  in  the  maintenance  of  Cheltenham  Friends' 
Meeting  [which  afterwards  became  Abington  Meeting], 
and  in  his  will  he  bequeathed  to  said  meeting  the  l)urial 
ground  already  referred  to. 

It  was  in  the  earl}-  part  of  the  3^ear  1801  that  Jane 
Hallowell  and  her  two  sons,  James  and  Benjamin,  came 
to  live  with  her  father.  The  other  son,  Joseph,  went  to 
live  with  an  uncle  named  Brumfield,  at  Columbia,  Penn- 
S3dvania. 

Benjamin  Shoemaker  was  about  sevent3-four  3'ears 
of  age,  and  had  been  a  widower  nine  3'ears,  when  his 
daughter  and  her  boys  came  to  live  with  him,  and  to  add 
so  much  to  the  comfort  and  enjo3anent  of  his  home. 
After  the  birth  of  Mary  he  had  an  added  source  of  joy 
to  cheer  him  in  his  declining  years. 

As  Benjamin  was  a  farmer,  and  had  the  work  of 
planting  and  gathering  the  crops  carried  on  b3^  hired 


20  Life  and  Letters  of 

laborers,  his  daughter  was  much  occupied  with  house- 
hold duties,  such  as  providing  for  the  men,  attending  to 
the  dairy,  spinning,  &.c.  From  the  memoranda  that  we 
have  of  the  domestic  arrangements,  it  would  appear  that 
Benjamin  passed  much  of  his  time  in  his  arm-chair, 
with  his  little  granddaughter  near  him.  Which  was 
the  entertainer,  and  which  the  entertained,  we  need  not 
inquire,  for  we  may  suppose  that  the  care  was  reciprocal 
and  the  enjoyment  mutual.  He  taught  her  to  knit,  to 
spin,  and  most  probably  to  read,  as  there  is  no  mention 
made  of  her  having  attended  au}-  school  until  after  his 
death  ;  but  we  are  informed  that  she  had  read  aloud  to 
him  the  whole  of  the  Bible,  and  of  George  Fox's  Jour- 
nal. While  these  two  books  had  been  read  in  their 
entirety,  portions  of  others  had  also  received  attention  ; 
but  there  is  no  account  of  anything  light  or  frivolous — 
only  the  H0I3'  Scriptures  and  the  writings  of  Friends 
being  chosen. 

But  the  time  was  approaching  when  this  close  com- 
panionship must  cease ;  when  the  affectionate  grand- 
parent and  his  devoted  little  attendant  must  be  separated, 
he  going  to  his  long  home,  and  she  mourning  on  her 
wa}^  for  the  loss  of  one  whom  she  had  revered,  trusted 
and  loved. 

Benjamin  Shoemaker  died  on  the  i6th  of  Third 
Month,  181 1,  aged  eighty-four  years.  His  death  lacked 
but  one  day  of  being  eighteen  years  after  that  of  his  wife. 
Of  their  fourteen  children  twelve  had  lived  to  adult  age. 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  21 

but  only  three  survived  their  father.  These  three  were 
Nathan,  Comly,  and  Jane. 

On  the  day  following  his  death,  the  remains  of 
Benjamin  Shoemaker  were  interred  in  the  Cheltenham 
Friends'  Burial  Ground,  near  which  he  had  lived  and 
died. 

Of  the  Hallowell,  Williams,  and  Comly  ancestors, 
we  are  not  so  full}'  informed,  but  it  appears  that  they, 
also,  were  Friends,  and  that  Mary  Williams  (grand- 
mother of  M.  S.  Iv.)  was  a  descendant  of  George  Shoe- 
maker, Jr.,  though  not  of  his  first  wife  Sarah,  but  of  his 
second,  who  was  named  Katharine. 

About  two  years  before  the  decease  of  her  father, 
Jane  Hallowell  had  passed  through  a  sore  affliction  in 
the  death  of  her  son  Joseph.  Though  only  about  twelve 
years  of  age,  he  assisted  in  the  store  of  his  uncle,  with 
whom  he  lived.  One  evening,  while  he  was  weighing 
some  gunpowder  for  a  customer,  two  boys  who  were  in 
the  store  were  playing,  and  when  one  threw  something 
at  the  other,  a  spark,  either  from  a  candle  or  from  a 
cigar,  fell  into  the  powder  and  caused  a  terrific  explosion, 
after  which  Joseph  was  found  in  the  cellar,  the  floor 
under  him  having  given  awa}-.  When  found  he  was 
unconscious  ,  but  soon  after  became  sensible,  and  told 
the  family  how  the  accident  had  occurred.  He  lived 
until  next  morning  in  great  agony,  but  fullj^  aware  of 
his  situation,  and  made  some  remarks  suitable  for  one 
of  his  age,  and  his  innocent  life.  His  mother  was  ex- 
pecting him  home  on  his  first  visit,  and  when   the  sad 


22  Life  and  Letters  of 

tidings  of  his  death  came,  her  inward  grief  was  no  doubt 
very  great.  Her  son  Benjamin,  in  his  "Autobiogra- 
phy," says,  "  All  the  reference  mother  ever  made  to  it 
afterwards,  was  to  say,  '  Poor  Joseph,'  and  weep." 

vSoon  after  the  death  of  Benjamin  Shoemaker,  his 
estate  was  settled  by  selling  the  homestead,  and  thus 
the  faniil}^  had  to  be  broken  up.  It  now  consisted  of 
Jane  Hallowell  and  her  two  children,  Benjamin  and 
Mary;  the  eldest  son,  James,  having  previously  gone 
into  the  store  and  the  family  of  his  uncle  William  Hal- 
lowell, in  Philadelphia.  Jane  and  her  daughter  went  to 
her  uncle,  Samuel  Shoemaker's,  near  Hatboro,  Mont- 
gomerv  County,  Penna.  Both  mother  and  daughter 
found  it  to  be  a  pleasant  home,  and  as  it  was  near  the 
Ivollar  Academy,  Mary  was  entered  as  a  pupil  in  that 
institution.  It  was  under  Presb3^terian  management, 
and  was  in  high  repute  for  being  a  good  school. 

Benjamin  went  to  live  with  his  uncle,  Comly  Shoe- 
maker and  wife,  on  their  farm,  called  Pleasant  Valley, 
adjacent  to  the  old  homestead. 

Subsequently,  Jane  Hallowell  and  her  daughter  went 
to  live  with  their  relative  George  Williams,  whose  home 
being  near  Abington  Meeting  House,  was  probably  a 
resort  for  traveling  Friends.  While  there,  most  likely, 
Mary  was  a  pupil  in  the  Abington  Friends'  School. 

In  1 819,  after  she  had  entered  her  nineteenth  year, 
she  went  to  Westtown  Boarding  School,  in  Chester 
County,  Pennsylvania,  and  continued  there  as  a  pupil 
about  one  year. 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  23 

In  Ninth  Month,  1820,  came  another  family  afflic- 
tion. Her  brother  James  died,  after  a  brief  but  very 
distressing  illness,  leaving  a  widow  and  one  child.  In 
a  few  days  after  the  funeral,  Marj^  went  with  her  only 
surviving  brother,  Benjamin,  to  Friends' Boarding  School 
at  Fair  Hill,  near  Sandy  Spring,  Maryland;  Benjamin 
resuming  his  duties  as  teacher  in  that  Institution,  and 
Mary  entering  it  as  a  pupil. 

In  the  early  part  of  the  year  1823  we  find  her  teach- 
ing a  famil}^  school  in  Cheltenham,  near  the  place  of 
her  birth.  While  thus  occupied,  she  was  visited  bjr 
members  of  the  Westtown  Committee,  and  invited  to 
take  the  position  made  vacant  by  the  absence  of  Sybella 
Embree,  who  had  gone  to  Europe  in  consequence  of  her 
failing  health.  Ann  Mifflin,  who  was  temporarily  taking 
the  place  of  Sybella,  was  desirous  of  being  relieved  of 
her  duties  at  the  earliest  date  practicable  ;  and  as  she 
was  one  of  the  Yearly  Meeting's  Committee  having 
charge  of  the  School,  she  and  another  member  of  the 
Committee  went  to  Cheltenham,  and  made  the  proposi- 
tion to  Mary.  It  was  favorabl}^  received.  The  appoint- 
ment was  accepted,  and  in  less  than  a  week  from  that 
time  Mar}^  was  regularly  installed,  and  was  performing 
the  duties  of  her  new  position.  She  began  on  the  8th  of 
Second  Month,  1823. 

It  was  during  her  sojourn  at  Westtown  that  she 
became  acquainted  with  John  Mott,  who  subsequently 
established  a  boarding  school  for  girls,  at  Rensselaerville, 


24  Life  and  Letters  of 

New  York,  and  secured  the  services  of  Mary  S.  Hallo- 
well  as  teacher. 

In  less  than  a  year  from  the  date  of  her  entering 
upon  her  duties  as  teacher  at  Westtown,  we  find  the 
first  record  in  her  Diary,  from  which  it  will  appear  that 
she  was  laboring  under  deep  religious  exercise.  The 
baptisms  through  which  she  passed  to  prepare  her  for 
the  work  of  the  ministry,  were  mortifying  to  the  flesh, 
as  well  as  purifying  to  the  spirit ;  and  during  all  this 
trying  period  she  was  obliged  to  respond  to  the  daily 
call  of  routine  duties  in  the  school,  and  to  associate  with 
the  members  of  that  large  famil}^  during  the  intervals 
intended  for  social  mingling.  Then,  as  now,  there  were 
those  who  failed  to  comprehend  why  a  young  person 
should  be  so  serious  as  to  appear  gloomy  ;  so  they  urged 
her  to  be  cheerful.  No  doubt  their  motive  was  good, 
but  the  advice  alone  was  evidence  that  they  were  stran- 
gers to  the  experience  through  which  she  was  passing. 
But  with  all  the  care  that  she  found  necessary  to  exercise 
in  the  social  circle  (for  she  was  naturally  of  a  lively 
disposition,  and  prone  to  freedom  of  speech),  her  sur- 
roundings, taking  all  the  conditions  into  account,  were 
probably  about  the  most  favorable  that  she  could  have 
had  for  her  advancement  in  spiritual  things,  and  as  a 
preparation  for  her  life-work  in  the  training  of  young 
women. 

The  meetings  for  worship  were  often  favored  sea- 
sons, being  attended  by  solid  Friends  who  were  members 
of  the  Committee,  and  also  by  Gospel  messengers  from 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  25 

different  parts  of  this  country  and  from  Great  Britain, 
who  were  traveling  on  religious  visits.  In  the  general 
arrangement  of  the  school  and  of  the  household,  there 
was  maintained  a  conservative  strictness  that  taught  the 
young  people  by  example,  as  well  as  by  precept,  the 
importance  of  a  steadfast  adherence  to  the  practices  of 
Friends.  This  teaching  was  not  lost  on  the  pupils,  but 
was  conducive  to  the  formation  of  such  habits  in  thought 
and  discipline  as  to  regulate  their  conduct  while  in  the 
institution,  and  to  clothe  them  with  a  protective  armor 
after  leaving  its  fostering  care. 

In  the  case  of  Mary  S.  Hallowell,  this  training 
proved  to  be  of  lasting  benefit,  and  its  effects  were  mani- 
fest wherever  she  had  an  opportunity  and  felt  it  right 
to  exercise  an  influence  over  young  people. 

The  exact  time  of  her  first  appearance  in  the  ministry 
cannot  be  given,  but  it  was  probabh'  during  the  latter 
part  of  her  sojourn  at  Westtown,  or  soon  after  leaving 
that  Institution. 

She  went  to  Rensselaerville  in  1826  or  1827,  and 
remained  there  until  about  the  time  of  her  marriage. 

In  the  year  1829  she  was  married  to  Isaac  Lippincott, 
of  Chesterville,  Burlington  County,  New  Jerse3^  The 
marriage  was  accomplished  in  Friends'  Meeting  House 
at  Abington,  and  Mary,  herself,  wrote  the  certificate. 
The  company  was  entertained  at  the  residence  of  her 
uncle,  Comly  Shoemaker,  this  being  her  home  when  not 
at  boarding-schools. 

Soon  after  their  marriage,  her  husband  took  her  to 


26  Life  and  Letters  of 

his  home,  where  she  entered  upon  the  new  dnties  of 
house-keeping  and  supplying  the  place  of  mother  to  his 
two  children — a  daughter  of  sixteen  and  a  son  of  twelve 
years. 

Although  all  three  of  the  positions — wife,  mother 
and  housekeeper — were  new  to  her,  yet  she  discharged 
the  duties  of  each  and  all  of  them  with  so  much  fidelity 
as  to  secure  the  confidence  and  win  the  affection  of  all 
the  members  of  the  household.  The  union  between 
her  husband  and  herself  was  a  true  marriage,  and  her 
affection  for  his  children,  being  fully  reciprocated,  proved 
to  be  lasting  as  life. 

Notwithstanding  the  formation  of  these  new  bonds 
of  faith  and  affection,  she  did  not  neglect  or  withhold 
the  service  called  for  in  the  assemblies  of  the  people, 
but  continued  to  exercise  her  gift^  to  the  edification  of 
her  hearers,  and  as  we  may  infer,  to  the  peace  of  her 
own  mind.  When  in  her  twenty-ninth  year  her  gift 
was  acknowledged,  and  her  name  was  recorded  as  an 
approved  minister  of  Chester  Monthly,  and  Haddonfield 
Quarterly  Meetings.  The  expressed  unity  with  this 
procedure  was  an  evidence  that  her  ministry  was  not 
only  approved  by  the  elders,  but  that  it  was  also  accepta- 
ble to  the  other  members  of  the  meeting. 

She  frequently  performed  visits  in  Gospel  love, 
within  the  limits  of  her  own,  and  sometimes  of  other 
Yearly  Meetings,  and  the  openness  on  the  part  of  Friends 
in  the  different  localities,  to  receive  her,  was  an  evidence 


Mary  S.  Lippiqcott.  S7 

that  she  was  in  the  line  of  her  dnty  when  on  these  mis- 
sions. 

To  Isaac  and  Marj^  S.  Lippincott  were  born  four 
sons  and  two  daughters.  The  sons  all  died  young  (the 
eldest  of  them  being  about  eight  years  old),  but  the 
daughters  survived  their  father ;  and  one  of  them,  Mar- 
garet W.  Lippincott,  still  lives. 

Of  Isaac's  two  older  children,  the  daughter,  Phebe 
W.,  lived  to  an  advanced  age,  and  looked  upon  several 
of  her  great-grandchildren.  Her  husband  was  Granville 
S.  Woolman,  M.  D.,  whom  she  survived  nearly  twenty 
years.  The  son,  Daniel  P.  Lippincott,  died  soon  after 
his  marriage.  His  only  child,  Daniel  P.  Lippincott 
(born  after  the  father's  death),  resided  in  St.  Louis,  Mis- 
souri, and  was  much  esteemed  for  his  ability,  energy  and 
many  good  qualities.  He  died  on  the  7th  of  Eleventh 
Month,  1892,  in  the  forty-eighth  year  of  his  age,  leaving 
a  widow^  and  two  sons.  The  elder  of  these  sons,  now  a 
young  man,  is  named  Isaac  Lippincott.  The  interest 
that  Mary  S.  Lippincott  felt  in  Daniel  and  his  family, 
and  the  fondness  for  the  great-grandson  who  bears  the 
name  of  her  husband,  is  abundantly  manifest  in  her 
letters.  There  is  not  to  be  found  in  all  her  waitings, 
more  convincing  proof  of  her  tenderness  and  her  strong 
affection,  than  we  find  in  some  of  the  letters  (not  made 
public)  relative  to  "little  Isaac." 

Daniel  and  his  sons  were  the  only  descendants  of 
her  husband,  bearing  the  name  of  Lippincott  ;  and  she 
alludes  to  this  fact  in  one  of  her  letters  to  Daniel.     She 


28  Life  and  Letters  of 

expressed  at  different  times  a  desire  to  visit  them  in 
their  own  home  ;  bnt  the  distance  between  St.  Louis  and 
Camden,  and  her  feebleness  of  body,  prevented  her  from 
accomplishing  what  would  have  afforded  her  so  much 
gratification. 

Daniel's  marriage  was  very  satisfactory  to  her,  and 
his  wife  and  boys  had,  like  himself,  a  firm  hold  on  her 
affections  ;  and  her  solicitude  for  their  welfare  was  un- 
mistakable ;  as  may  be  found  from  her  numerous  mes- 
sages of  loving  interest  to  those  whom  she  had  not  seen. 

About  two  years  before  her  death,  Daniel  brought 
all  of  his  family  with  him,  and  made  her  a  visit  in  her 
own  home.  This  event  was  among  the  joys  of  her  old 
age  ;  and  the  remembrance  of  it  was  a  source  of  much 
comfort  to  her. 

When  Isaac  Lippincott  passed  away,  he  had  three 
daughters  living,  but  no  son.  His  daughter  Jane  sur- 
vived her  father,  but  not  her  mother.  She  died  on  the 
2 1  St  of  Second  Month,  1885.  These  family  bereavements 
are  feelingly  alluded  to  in  the  Diary,  and  in  some  of  the 
letters  of  Mar}^  S.  Lippincott. 

In  the  Spring  of  1843,  o^^^  Friend,  accompanied  by  her 
husband,  attended  New  York  Yearly  Meeting,  and  soon 
after  their  return  to  their  home,  she  passed  through  an- 
other season  of  bereavement,  occasioned  by  the  death  of 
her  beloved  uncle  (who  had  been  like  a  father  to  her), 
Comly  Shoemaker.  He  died  of  a  short  illness,  and  left, 
as  a  lasting  memorial,  the  savor  of  a  good  name.  He  was 
one  who  liked  to  help  others,  and  who  was  noted  for  his 


Mary  S.  Lippiqcott.  29 

kindness  to  all  that  came  within  the  range  of  his  oppor- 
tnnity,  and  most  especiall}^  to  orphans.  His  estimate 
of  himself,  and  of  his  own  merits,  was  very  low,  so  that 
he  might  well  have  been  called  one  of  the  ''  poor  in 
spirit."  His  fnneral  was  an  occasion  of  solemn  interest, 
many,  no  donbt,  feeling  that  the}-  had  lost  a  friend. 
The  remains  were  interred  in  the  Cheltenham  grave- 
3'ard,  where  those  of  his  parents  and  a  large  family  of 
their  children  lay.  His  widow,  Sarah  Shoemaker,  snr- 
vived  him  abont  two  3'ears.     They  had  no  children. 

In  1842,  Isaac  Lippincott  and  famil}'  moved  into 
Aloorestown  —  a  few  miles  distant  from  their  former 
home — and  established  a  boarding  school  for  girls  and 
young  women.  Mar3''s  great  energy-  and  untiring  in- 
dustry were  brought  to  bear  upon  this  enterprise,  so 
that  it  soon  grew  into  favor  among  Friends ;  being  re- 
garded— as  it  deserved  to  be — as  a  valuable  auxiliary  to 
the  educational  work  going  on  in  the  Society.  With 
a  thorough  scholastic  training  in  the  useful  branches 
of  a  good,  plain  education,  it  combined  the  influences 
of  a  concerned  Friends'  home.  Example  went  directly 
along  with  precept,  and  the  young  women  soon  discov- 
ered that  "  Aunt  Mary  "  was  not  only  the  executive 
manager  of  a  large  institution,  but  that  she  was  also 
a  wise  counselor,  and  a  spiritual  adviser  who  could 
warn  them  of  approaching  danger,  and  could  direct 
their  attention  to  the  inward  monitor  that  would  prove 
to  them  a  source  of  comfort  or  of  distress,  according  as 
they  obeyed  or  disobeyed  its  teachings.     Then,  too,  she 


30  Life  ar\d  Letters  of 

was  so  loving  and  tender;  so  motherly  in  her  inter- 
course with  them,  that  they  could  not  feel  other  than 
love  for  her,  and  a  desire  to  comply  with  her  wishes. 

"  Where  kindness  on  her  part  who  ruled  the  whule 
Begat  a  tranquil  confidence  in  all, 
And  all  were  swift  to  follow  whom  all  loved." 

Being  ready  of  discernment  in  natural  things,  and 
(after  the  baptism  that  she  passed  through  in  earl}'  life) 
having  an  e3'e  that  had  been  spirituall}'  anointed,  she 
was  qualified  to  administer  the  Word  in  season  which,  in 
many  cases,  probably  proved  to  be  as  "  bread  cast  upon 
the  waters."  The  number  of  women  who  are  now  faithful 
supporters  of  their  home  meetings,  and  who  are  useful 
in  the  transaction  of  the  business  in  Philadelphia  Yearl}^ 
Meeting — who  were  at  one  time  members  of  her  family 
— furnishes  us  with  a  living  testimou}^  to  the  good  re- 
sults of  her  e-xample  and  her  precepts  in  the  training 
of  young  Friends. 

When  nearl}'  four-score  years  of  age,  she  accom- 
panied one  of  her  ex-pupils,  an  approved  minister,  on 
a  visit  of  religious  concern  to  the  men's  branch  of  Phila- 
delphia Yearly  Meeting.  The  Friend  was  evidently 
laboring  under  a  great  weight  of  exercise,  which  she 
was  favored  to  spread  before  the  meeting  in  plain  terms, 
and  in  a  solemn  and  impressive  manner.  Soon  after 
this  young  minister  had  taken  her  seat,  Mary  arose 
and  expressed  her  full  unity  with  the  "  dear  sister," 
and  the  sense  of  dut}^  which  s//e  had  felt  to  accompany 
her  on  this  visit. 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  31 

It  seemed  to  be  just  what  was  needed  to  supple- 
ment and  to  confirm  the  former  searching  testimony. 

When  the  women  Friends  withdrew  there  was  a 
solemn  covering   over  the  men's   meeting. 

In  the  year  1845,  Mary  S.  Lippincott  was  appointed 
Clerk  of  the  women's  branch  of  Philadelphia  Yearly 
Meeting,  and  for  twenty-two  consecutive  years  she  filled 
[by  reappointments]  this  responsible  position,  with  so 
much  propriety  as  to  give  satisfaction  to  her  friends,  and 
dignit}^  to  the  large  assembly. 

She  was  so  modest  in  regard  to  this  appointment, 
and  the  ver}^  efiicient  service  which  she  rendered  to  the 
meeting,  that  in  her  writings  we  find  but  little  mention 
made  of  it ;  but  the  memories  of  the  older  and  middle- 
aged  Friends  retain  some  deep  impressions  of  the  effects 
produced  upon  that  large  body,  b}^  her  individuality, 
her  quick  perceptions,  and  her  close  attention  to  inward 
exercises. 

Upon  one  occasion,  when  a  stirring  appeal  had  been 
made  to  the  young  women,  urging  them  to  participate 
in  the  transaction  of  the  business — for  the  reason  that 
their  perceptions  were  keener,  and  their  judgment  was 
better,  than  was  the  case  with  the  mothers  and  the 
grandmothers,  who  had  been  faithful  in  their  day,  but 
who  now  would  better  la}^  down  the  burden — the  Clerk 
arose,  and  after  a  few  words  of  encouragement  to  the 
young,  expressing  her  appreciation  of  their  interest  in 
the  proceedings  of  the  meeting,  she  briefl}^  related  the 
Scriptural  account  of  Israel  when  about  to  confer  the 


32  Life  and  Letters  of 

blessing  upon  his  grandsons.  Notwithstanding  his 
great  age,  and  the  dimness  of  h'is  outward  sight,  "  he  was 
not  to  be  swerved  from  the  true  judgment,  but,  guiding 
his  hands  wittingl}^,"  he  placed  the  right  one  upon  the 
head  of  Hphraim.  The  allusion  was  so  apt ;  the  intro- 
duction of  it  so  concise  ;  and  the  spirit  in  which  it  was 
made,  so  kind,  as  to  produce  a  good  effect  at  the  time  of 
its  utterance,  and  to  leave,  on  the  minds  of  some  in  the 
assembl}',  an  impression  which  memor}^  has  preserved 
through  all  the  intervening  3'ears,  and  which  is  still 
fresh  and  vivid. 

In  the  year  1847  ^^^^  Friend  had  to  part  with  her 
beloved  parent,  over  whom  she  had  watched  so  tenderly, 
and  who  had  been  so  appreciative  of  her  ministrations 
of  love. 

Jane  Hallowell  was  one  who  had  drunk  deepl}"  of 
the  cup  of  affliction,  but  her  last  da^'s  were  made  as  com- 
fortable for  her,  as  the  infirmities  of  age  would  permit. 
In  Isaac  Lippincott  she  found  a  devoted  friend  and  kind 
son  ;  and  the  hearty  co-operation  of  him  and  his  wife  in 
their  endeavors  to  make  "  mother"  comfortable,  no  doubt 
had  its  influence  on  the  3^ounger  members  of  the  family, 
who  early  learned  that  "  grandmother"  was  an  object 
susceptible  of  their  affection,  and  worthy  of  their  respect. 

In  the  early  part  of  the  j^ear  1858,  after  a  period  of 
protracted  and  intense  suffering,  Isaac  Lippincott  was 
removed  by  death  ;  and  the  blank  which  Mary  felt,  as  to 
things  of  this  life — the  aching  void  in  her  heart — is 
most  pathetically  alluded  to  in   her   Diar3^      After  this 


Mary  S.  Lippincott,  33 

sad  loss,  the  affairs  of  life  seemed  to  weigh  more  heavily 
upon  her  than  they  had  ever  done  before,  and  she  began 
to  look  toward  some  wa}^  of  living  that  wonld  be  attended 
with  less  care,  and  that  would  leave  her  more  at  libert}^ 
for  the  performance  of  her  visits  of  Gospel  love. 

Still  she  continued  at  the  head  of  her  school  during 
more  than  twent}^  ^x^ars  of  her  widowhood.  Her  two 
faithful  daughters  remained  with  her,  and  did  what  they 
could  to  relieve  her  from  the  heavy  burden  which  rested 
upon  her. 

In  her  intercourse  with  her  pupils,  she  practised 
candor  as  well  as  kindness  ;  being  opposed  to  indirect  or 
detective  methods  in  the  treatment  or  the  discovery  of 
cases  requiring  discipline.  Whatever  the  pupils  might 
do,  the  teacher,  or  caretaker,  should  always  be  sincere. 

This  theor}',  which  was  based  upon  positive  convic- 
tion, was  consistently  carried  out  in  her  practice,  and 
confirmed  b}^  long  experience. 

Her  views  on  this  subject  were  so  clear  and  so  de- 
cided, as  to  be  well  worthy  of  a  place  in  some  standard 
work  on  School  Discipline. 

In  Ninth  Month,  1877,  her  brother  Benjamin  passed 
away ;  his  wife  having  preceded  him  about  two  years.  Mary 
attended  his  funeral,  and  appeared  in  testimou}^  upon  the 
occasion.  She  seemed  now  to  be  about  the  last  of  her 
generation.  Her  other  brothers  had  died  when  she  was 
young,  but  Benjamin  and  she  had  gone  hand  in  hand  in 
their  childhood,  and  so  far  as  distant  residences  and  other 
circumstances    would    permit,    they    had    been    in    close 


34  Life  aqd  Letters  of 

intimac}'  through  life.  On  some  doctrinal  points  their 
views  were  dissimilar  ;  but  these  differences  of  opinion  were 
not  suffered  to  weaken  the  bond  of  affection  which  had 
united  them  in  childhood,  and  which  remained  firm  and 
bright  until  severed  by  death. 

His  marriage  had  brought  to  her  a  sister  whom 
she  greatly  esteemed  and  loved ;  and  between  whom 
and  herself,  there  were  strong  ties  of  congeniality,  as 
well  as  of  kinship  and  affection. 

Now,  Benjamin  and  Margaret  had  both  gone;  and 
another  much  beloved  sister-in-law,  Amelia  Shoemaker, 
had  passed  awa}'-  some  time  before.  Her  brother-in-law, 
David  Walton  and  his  wife,  lived  so  far  away  from  her 
that  she  rarely  got  to  see  them  ;  a  privation  that  she 
much  regretted.  David  had  made  his  home  wath  her 
husband  and  herself  during  their  early  married  life,  and 
she  liked  to  speak  of  those  pleasant  days. 

Nearl}^  all  of  her  first  cousins  were  numbered  with 
the  dead,  so  that  she  could  look  only  upon  kindred  of 
one,  two,  and  three  generations  3'ounger  than  herself. 

While  she  must  have  felt — as  most  old  persons  do 
feel — the  strippedness  of  her  situation,  yet  she  kept  up 
her  intercourse  with  the  3^oung,  and  manifested  her 
gratitude  for  their  kind  attentions.  The  interest  ex- 
tended, not  only  to  her  daughters,  and  to  the  daughter 
and  the  grandchildren  of  her  husband,  but  also  to  the 
nieces  and  nephews,  on  both  sides.  In  one  of  her  letters 
she  speaks  of  the  satisfaction  that  it  gave  her  to  visit 
the  business  establishment  of  some  nephews  in  Phila- 


Mary  S.  Lippincott,  35 

delphia,  and  to  see  the  three  brothers,  and  several  of 
their  sons  with  them,  all  npright,  industrions,  and  pros- 
perous. 

But  her  interest  and  affection  were  not  limited  to 
her  kindred  ;  for  they  extended  throughout  the  entire 
circle  of  her  acquaintance  ;  and  in  a  broader  sense,  we 
might  well  say,  throughout  the  whole  human  family. 
She  desired  that  all  might  do  right,  and  thus  be  happy  ; 
also  that  they  might  be  outwardly  comfortable,  and 
might  prosper^  in  the  best  sense  of  the  word. 

When  attending  the  Yearly  Meeting  in  Philadel- 
phia, she  made  her  home  with  her  nephew  and  niece, 
Joshua  and  Elizabeth  Lippincott,  until  the  latter  was 
removed  by  death  ;  and  during  the  remaining  years  of 
her  ability  to  attend  the  meeting,  she  was  kindly  cared 
for,  while  in  the  city,  by  her  niece,  Isabella  Lippincott, 
who  lived  near  the  meeting-house. 

At  these  annual  gatherings  she  met  with  many 
kindred  spirits,  who  were  not  bound  to  her  hy  family 
ties.  It  was  a  touching  sight  to  behold,  in  the  upper 
gallery,  five  approved  ministers,  all  past  four-score  years 
of  age,  but  bright  in  intellect,  and  truly  alive  in  spirit. 
These  five  were  vSarah  Hunt,  Deborah  F.  Wharton, 
Sarah  Hoopes,  Mary  S.  Lippiucott  and  Catharine  P. 
Foulke.  Now  they  have  all  gone  to  their  reward ; 
Mary  having  been  the  first  to  pass  away,  and  Catharine 
the  last. 

Notwithstanding  the  pressure  of  home  cares,  she 
was  a  worthy   example   of  faithfulness    in    the   regular 


36  Life  and  Letters  of 

attendance  of  the  meeting  to  which  she  belonged,  and 
when  dnty  called  her  to  other  parts  of  the  vincA^ard,  she 
had  the  synipath}'  and  the  approval  of  her  Friends  at 
home,  before  engaging  in  the  weight}^  nndertaking  of 
paying  a  religious  visit. 

With  certificates  thus  obtained,  she  visited,  at  dif- 
ferent periods  of  her  life,  all  the  six  Yearly  Meetings 
which  then  l)elonged  to  our  branch  of  the  Society  of 
Friends,  and  man}' — perhaps  most — of  the  meetings 
composing  them.  In  the  ^-ear  1869  she  obtained  a  min- 
ute to  visit  the  Quarterl}'  and  other  meetings  within  the 
limits  of  her  own  Yearly  Meeting. 

Soon  after  returning  this  minute  she  obtained  one 
to  visit  the  Southern  Quarter ;  also  some  neighboring 
Quarters  ;  and  to  attend  and  appoint  meetings  within 
their  limits.  In  the  performance  of  these  two  visits  she 
was  occupied  more  than  four  years ;  and  this  labor, 
together  with  the  attendance  of  Baltimore  Yearly  Meet- 
ing, in  1875,  and  New  York  in  1879,  may  be  regarded 
as  the  evening  offering  of  a  devoted  and  faithful  Gospel 
messenger. 

In  the  3''ear  1880,  after  an  existence  of  thirty-eight 
3^ears,  the  school  at  Moorestown  was  discontinued,  and. 
in  the  early  part  of  the  j^ear  following,  Mary  and  her 
two  daughters  removed  to  Camden,  New  Jersey.  She 
speaks  favorably  of  their  new  home,  with  its  mau}^ 
comforts  and  conveniences,  and  so  long  as  she  was 
able,  she  was  a  faithful  attender  of  Camden  Meeting, 
bi;t  her  right  of  membership  in  the  Society  of  Friends, 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  37 

remained  in  Chester  Monthly  Meeting,  to  which — and 
particularly  to  the  Chester  [Moorestown]  branch  of  it, 
she  was  strongl}^  attached  by  ties  of  association,  of 
interest,  and  of  affection.  The  impress  left  there  by  the 
seal  of  her  ministry  is  still  fresh  on  the  minds  of  the 
elderly  and  middle-aged  Friends. 

The  last  time,  previous  to  her  death,  that  the  name 
of  Mary  S.  Lippincott  appears  on  the  Monthly  Meeting 
book,  bears  date  of  Fifth  Month  8th,  1S79,  when  she 
obtained  a  minute  to  attend  New  York  Yearly  Meeting. 

The  last  Yearly  Meeting  that  she  attended  in  Phila- 
delphia was  in  1883.  A  year  later  she  went  to  the  one 
in  New  York,  and  during  the  intervals  of  the  meeting 
she  enjoyed  social  mingling  at  the  house  of  her  friend 
Jane  Russell,  whose  kindness  and  tender  care  enabled 
her  to  pass  the  week  comfortably,  notwithstanding  her 
feebleness  of  body.  This  was  her  last  visit  at  any  con- 
siderable distance  from  home. 

We  now  come  to  the  closing  period  of  a  long  and 
dedicated  life.  The  last  four  years  of  her  earthly  jour- 
ney were  3^ears  of  pain  to  the  weary  body,  but  of  tran- 
quillit}^  to  the  mind  ;  for  she  was  reaping  the  reward  for 
obedience  in  having  done  the  will  of  her  Master,  while 
she  had  the  strength  and  ability  to  labor  in  his  cause. 
She  could  now  realize,  in  her  own  experience,  the  happi- 
ness of  one, 

'"Whose  yesterdajs  look  backward  with  a  smile, 
Nor,  like  the  Parthian,  wound  him  as  they  fly." 

Nor  did  bodily  imfirmities  prevent  her  from  enjoy- 


38  Life  and  Letters  of 

ing  the  company  of  her  friends,  many  of  whom  availed 
themselves  of  the  opportunity  to  visit  her  at  her  home, 
when  she  was  no  longer  able  to  go  out  on  her  wonted 
missions  of  religious  or  social  duty. 

In  some  of  her  letters  she  speaks  of  the  great  kind- 
ness of  her  Camden  neighbors,  as  well  as  of  those  friends 
and  relatives  from  other  places,  who  came  to  visit  her. 
It  was,  no  doubt,  felt  to  be  a  privilege  to  be  with  her, 
as  it  was  instructive  to  witness  her  enduring  patience, 
her  unclouded  intellect,  and  her  assurance  of  the  in- 
heritance that  awaited  her,  when  done  with  time. 

The  parting  with  her  daughter  Jane,  was  one  of  the 
close  trials  of  her  life,  but  she  accepted  it,  as  she  had 
the  loss  of  her  other  children,  in  a  spirit  of  quiet  resig- 
nation. 

Her  letters  now  became  fewer  and  more  brief  than 
had  heretofore  been  the  case,  and  the  penmanship  was 
greatlv  changed;  but  the  same  loving  spirit  is  still  there, 
and  is  as  distinctly  discernible  as  if  we  could  behold  her 
benevolent  countenance,  and  hear  the  familiar  sound  of 
her  voice. 

Now,  as  in  her  earlier  days,  her  generosity  flowed  in 
many  directions  ;  and  her  beneficence  was  limited  only 
by  her  want  of  opportuuitv;  the  7uiU  was  still  present, 
and  these  late  letters  evince  the  same  desires  that  had 
attended  her  through  life,  to  do  or  to  say  something  that 
M^ould  contribiite  to  the  happiness  of  a  fellow-being. 

As  the  months  passed  on,  she  grew  weaker  in  body, 
but  the  mental  faculties  remained  unimpaired.    Her  fail- 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  39 

ing  eyesight  not  permitting  her  to  do  as  much  reading 
as  she  had  been  accustomed  to,  she  had  much  time  for 
reflection,  which  enabled  her  to  review  her  past  life,  and 
to  think  of  the  many  valued  friends  whose  society  she 
had  once  enjoyed.  Her  love  flowed  freely  toward  those 
who  were  still  in  the  body  ;  and  of  the  others  she  cher- 
ished memories  that  were  so  precious  as  to  afford  her 
much  comfort. 

During  the  last  two  years  of  her  life  she  was  a  great 
sufferer ;  and  for  about  one  year  preceding  her  death  she 
was  unable  to  attend  meeting.  But  even  when  under 
the  pressure  of  physical  pain,  her  mind  was  bright,  and 
she  was  keenly  alive  to  the  interest  of  the  vSociety  of 
which  she  was  a  birthright  member,  and  for  the  welfare 
of  which  she  had  labored  so  faithfully,  while  health  and 
ability  were  afforded  her. 

Being  hopefully  inclined,  she  could  rejoice  at  all  evi- 
dences of  life ;  while  her  quickened  spiritual  perceptions 
enabled  her  to  discover  weaknesses,  and  latent  sources  of 
danger  that  were  invisible  to  the  ordinar}^  observer. 

Again  and  again  did  she  refer  to  this  subject — the 
prosperity  of  the  Society  of  Friends  —  desiring  the  re- 
moval of  all  the  hindering  things,  and  the  advancement 
of  the  cause  of  Truth. 

During  her  illness,  and  within  a  few  weeks  of  her 
close,  her  fervent  desires  for  the  maintenance  of  our 
testimonies,  were  so  impressivel}^  expressed,  that  the 
concern  seemed  like  a  legacy  left  to  her  survivors,  for 
them  to  accept  and  to  appropriate. 


40  Life  and  Letters  of 

In  early  life  she  had  entered  into  covenant  with  One 
in  whom  she  fully  trusted,  and  for  the  sake  of  whose 
guidance  she  was,  after  a  hard  struggle,  made  willing  to 
part  with  all  that  stood  in  her  way.  This  One  had  car- 
ried her  over  many  difficulties,  had  sustained  her  under 
close  trials,  and  He  was  now  her  firm  support  in  days 
and  hours  of  great  extremity. 

Having  done  her  work  as  she  went  along  through 
life,  and  having  left  the  messages  of  concern  which  she 
had  felt  during  her  illness  ;  there  was  nothing  remaining 
for  her  to  do,  but  trustingly  to  lean  upon  the  arm  of  her 
Supporter,  and  patiently  abide  the  time  for  her  release. 

On  the  morning  of  her  departure,  she  said  to  her  at- 
tendant :  "I  want  to  see  the  light ;  the  light  of  day.  I 
want  to  see  the  dawning  of  the  day." 

This  desire  seemed  to  be  typical  of  that  other  dawn, 
which — as  wx  reverently  trust — her  spiritual  vision  was 
soon  to  behold. 

She  passed  away  in  the  early  morning  of  Fourth 
Month  iSth,  1.888,  lacking  but  sixty-six  days  of  being 
eighty-seven  years  old. 

Her  funeral,  which  was  large,  was  an  occasion  of 
solemn  interest  to  those  who  attended  it ;  while  many 
who  were  not  present  could  sliare  in  the  feeling  that  a 
mother  in  oiir  Israel  had  passed  away. 

Her  remains  were  interred  near  those  of  her  hus- 
band, and  their  children,  in  Friends'  Burial  Ground,  at 
Moorestown,  New  Jersey. 

This  being  "  the  end  of  earth,"  we  must  take  leave 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  41 

of  our  subject;  which  we  do  with  an  affectionate  regard 
for  her  memory,  and  a  firm  belief  that  she  is  now  reap- 
ing the  reward  of  the  righteous,  in  the  realms  of  beatific 
felicity. 

"  When  the  good  man  yields  his  breath, 
(For  the  good  man  never  dies,) 
Bright  beyond  the  gulf  of  death, 
Lo  !  the  Land  of  Promise  lies." 

But  where  the  account  of  her  outward  life  ends, 
that  of  herself  really  begins  :  for  "  Being  dead  she  yet 
speaketh." 


CHAPTER    II. 

HER    DIARY 1823     TO     1875. 


PART 


Twelfth  Month  8th,  1823. — This  evening  W. Planner 
had  an  appointed  meeting  here.  I  felt  poor  and  stripped 
before  and  after  it ;  but  during  the  time  we  were  assem- 
bled, I  felt  that  the  love  of  the  Divine  Shepherd  was 
towards  us.  W.  handed  forth  some  seasonable  and  in- 
structive advice — maj^  it  never  be  forgotten  !  How  often 
is  my  soul  bowed  down  with  grief,  and  not  able  to  find 
relief — Oh,  that  it  might  be  stayed  upon  its  God ! 

loth. — My  mind  was  deeply  exercised,  under  an  ap- 
prehension of  having  withheld  counsel  to  one,  which 
might  have  kept  her  from  the  folly  she  engaged  in.  Oh  ! 
how  I  mourned,  and  cried  unto  the  Lord  in   my  agony, 


42  Life  and  Letters  of 

"  Have  mercy  upon  us  !  "  My  tenderest  feelings  were 
pierced  as  with  a  sharp  arrow — may  I  humbly  seek  for- 
giveness. How  often  do  I  feel  condemnation  and  woe ; 
when  shall  I  become  willing  to  submit  entirely  to  the 
Cross,  and  know  a  dying  daily,  yea,  and  hourly?  I  shall 
never  find  peace  till  my  will  is  slain ;  but  the  carnal  part 
in  me  is  continually  striving  to  wage  war  with  the  spir- 
itual— with  the  Lamb.  Oh  !  that  strength  may  be  given 
me  to  overcome  the  wicked  one.  Oh  !  most  adorable 
Father !  strengthen  me  to  resist  temptations ;  chastise 
me,  but  not  as  I  deserve,  lest  I  be  consumed ;  try  me, 
prove  me,  and  make  me  willing  to  bow  and  say:  "Thy 
will  be  done,"  in  me,  "  as  in  Heaven," 

nth. — By  reason  of  my  inactivity  and  wandering 
thoughts,  I  became  burdened,  and  found  the  seed  was 
suffering.  I  sat  meeting  in  distress,  and  thought  I  had 
gotten  to  a  place  where  two  ways  met,  and  that  I  had 
not  strength  nor  confidence  in  m3\self,  sufficient  to  pur- 
sue the  right  way  ;  and  I  felt  if  I  should  take  the  other, 
as  though  the  angel  of  God  was  waiting  with  his  sword, 
to  cut  me  asunder.  I  wept,  and  knew  not  what  to  do ;  I 
looked  for  ni}'  Beloved,  but  I  found  Him  not.  Where  is 
my  Beloved  gone ;  I  seek  Him,  but  He  cannot  be  found. 
I  am  as  one  destitute  and  forsaken — bowed  down  with 
grief,  and  none  to  unbosom  it  unto ;  my  flesh  waxeth  old, 
as  a  garment,  and  my  bones  ache ;  my  sighs  come  in  the 
morning  and  continue  until  the  evening ;  sleep  flees 
from  my  eyelids,  so  that  I  know  not  my  former  rest. 
Oh  !   that  I  were  old,  for  then  should  I  have  hope  that  I 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  43 

should  return  to  the  dust  from  whence  I  came — there 
should  I  hope  to  rest  from  all  my  troubles.  Were  I 
worthy  to  live,  or  had  I  hope  of  better  days,  then  I  could 
look  forward  with  a  ray  of  comfort ;  but  my  heart  is  too 
hard  to  yield  to  the  will  of  my  Heavenly  Father,  so  that 
I  am  afraid  that  I  shall  fall  a  victim  to  the  second  death. 
Oh  !  that  I  had  faith,  for  then  would  I  pray,  but  I  almost 
despond,  knowing  my  poverty  and  weakness  ;  poor  in- 
deed am  I,  hardly  worth}^  to  raise  my  eyes  towards 
Heaven,  yet  am  ready  to  put  up  my  feeble  petitions  to 
the  Most  High.  I  abhor  myself,  "  why  hast  Thou  set  me 
as  a  mark  against  Thee,  so  that  I  am  become  a  burden  to 
myself."  I  can  feel  with  David,  when  in  his  agony  he 
cried  out,  "  My  God,  my  God,  wh}^  hast  thou  forsaken 
me  ?  "  When  wilt  thou  return,  O  Lord,  and  enlighten 
my  countenance  ;  when  wilt  thou  break  me  to  pieces,  and 
form  me  into  a  vessel  for  usefulness  in  thy  house.  Make 
me  willing,  I  beseech  Thee,  O  Father  !  to  give  up  ever}^- 
thing,  and  with  obedience,  give  glory  to  Thee  in  the  high- 
est, then  shall  I  know  ''peace  on  earth  and  good-will  to 
men  !" 

27th. — This  day,  for  a  little  time,  my  spirits  were 
animated,  and  caused  me  to  say  that  which  has  been  a 
source  of  grief  unto  me,  and  has  made  me  work  for  re- 
pentance. Oh  !  that  I  might  be  more  watchful,  that  I  may 
not  at  any  time  give  way  to  levity  for  a  moment.  When 
shall  I  be  al^le  to  trust  myself  in  company,  Avithout  fear- 
ing to  enter  into  conversation  lest  I  say  too  much,  or 
something  that  will  cause  grief? 


44  Life  and  Letters  of 

28th. — My  soul  was  deeply  bowed  in  awful  reverence 
before  Him  whose  frown  is  terrible  as  the  roaring  and 
boisterous  ocean.  I  passed  an  almost  sleepless  night,  on 
account  of  what  took  place  3^esterday.  I  went  to  meeting, 
but  sat  as  in  a  dry  and  sandy  desert,  mourning,  but 
could  not  weep,  till  our  Friend,  William  Planner  arose, 
and  in  the  true  life  spoke  at  considerable  length  ;  part 
of  his  testimony  touching  the  place  in  my  heart  which 
was  under  suffering,  melting  me  into  tears,  so  that  I  felt 
a  confidence  there  was  a  possibility  of  returning  and 
finding  forgiveness.  After  meeting,  I  took  my  book, 
but  felt  restrained  from  reading,  could  not  suppress  my 
tears  ;  when  W.  Planner  took  me  by  the  hand,  and  af- 
fectionately pressing  it,  said — "What  art  thou  learning? 
Learning  to  preach  ?"  This  was  too  close  a  question  for 
me  to  answer,  and  therefore  I  wept  as  he  pressed  my 
hand,  and  gently  added,  "  Thou  canst  not  learn  it  from 
the  Good  Book,  but  onl}'  from  the  Master.  It  will  be 
made  easy  to  thee.  I  love  the  flock  wherever  I  meet 
with  them,"  &c.  I  felt  tendered  all  day,  and  foimd  tears 
relieving.  Oh  !  that  I  ma}^  lay  my  foundation  sure,  so 
that  it  cannot  be  shaken  ;  that  I  may  be  found  faithful ! 
But  Oh  !  this  heart,  when  will  it  become  obedient ;  when 
shall  I  be  able  to  bow  and  say  with  sincere  heart,  "Lord, 
not  my  wnll,  but  thine  be  done  in  all  things."  I  commit 
myself  to  thy  care,  and  in  Thee  is  centered  all  my  hope. 
Enable  me,  I  beseech  Thee,  to  give  thanks  to  Thee 
always,  and  let  the  praise  be  thine  forever.     Amen  ! 

29th,   30th,   and   31st. — My  spirit   mourned  during 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  45 

those  three  daj-s  almost  contiiinall}'  ;  and  it  seemed  as 
though  all  the  life  in  me  was  nnder  suffering.  I  be- 
sought the  Lord  to  be  with  me,  and  direct  my  steps,  and 
praised  be  his  name,  He  heard  ni}'  cr}',  and  permitted 
me  to  feel,  at  times,  that  I  was  not  forgotten.  I  earnestly 
craved  that  the  next  day  I  might  be  favored  to  begin 
anew  ni}-  journe}"  and  my  life,  and  find  Him  to  be  my 
Alpha  and  Omega ;  also,  that  He  w'ould  enable  me  to  sit 
Monthly  Meeting  in  a  gathered  state,  and  to  feel  with 
Friends  while  there.  I  lay  dowm  to  rest,  with  my  mind 
turned  inward,  and  endeavored  to  keep  it  directed  to  the 
Light ;  and  after  some  meditation  and  reflection,  sank 
into  the  arms  of  sleep.     So  ended  the  j-ear. 

First  Month  ist,  1824. — Endeavored  to  have  my  eye 
single  and  directed  to  the  Fountain  of  Life,  that  I  might 
renew  my  covenants  and  my  diligence.  Found  a  little 
trial  at  meeting,  the  eneni}^  striving  to  ensnare  me  by 
tempting  me  to  sleep  for  a  few  minutes,  and  when  it 
became  almost  ir:resistible,  I  burst  into  tears,  thinking — 
''  Have  all  ni}^  prayers  and  solicitude  been  ineffectual, 
have  my  cries  not  been  heard,  and  has  my  concern  for 
the  last  two  or  three  days  not  been  fervent  enough,  so 
that  the  Lord  would  enable  me  to  resist  any  such  tempta- 
tion that  might  be  presented  to  me  !"  But,  blessed  forever 
be  the  name  of  the  Most  High,  He  caused  these  words  to 
be  spoken  to  my  spiritual  ear,  "  My  grace  is  sufficient 
for  thee!"  I  believed  it  to  be  his  own  voice,  and  I  had 
faith — so  Satan  left  me,  and  I  had  an  unusually  com- 
fortable meeting,  which  I  hope  will  never  be  forgotten ; 


46  Life  and  Letters  of 

my  heart  almost  overflowed  with  gratitude  and  love. 
May  my  soul  dwell  deep  iu  the  X^alle}^  of  Humility,  and 
never  forget  to  look  to  its  God  for  help. 

2nd. — Still  bowed  down  and  mourning,  laden  with 
heavy  burdens,  but  still  I  have  hope  in  God. 

3rd. — My  soul  still  travailing  and  humble.  The 
death  of  ni}^  dear  brother  was  brought  afresh  to  my  re- 
membrance by  a  letter  from  a  near  friend  ;  also  a  fresh 
load  of  heart-rending  trouble  and  grief,  added  to  that 
which  I  alread}^  bore.  I  have  long  been  wounded  by  the 
arrows  of  affliction,  but  all  these  things  are  doubtless 
ordered  for  ni}-  further  refinement  and  purification ;  and. 
Oh  !  that  they  may  have  the  desired  effect,  saith  my  soul ! 

4th. — Bowed  in  spirit  and  sorel}^  oppressed  ,  got  no 
relief  in  either  meeting — sighs  and  groans  my  almost 
constant  companions ;  I  see  fields  of  labor,  at  times, 
opening  before  me,  but  feel  almost  like  a  dried  stick, 
and  cannot  do  anj^thing.  The  little  life  seems  almost 
gone,  and  I  cannot  find  Him  whom  I  long  for.  Tell 
me,  O  ye  that  know,  where  has  ni}^  Beloved  hidden 
himself,  for  how  can  I  live  witliout  his  presence  ?  And 
yet  I  can  hardly  find  strength  to  seek  Him.  Oh  !  that 
I  ma}^  keep  my  place,  and  not  go  astray,  that  I  may 
dwell  deep,  and  repose  full  confidence  in  Him  who  never 
leaves  nor  forsakes  those  who  put  their  trust  in  Him. 

Permit  me.  Most  Holy  Father,  to  supplicate  Thee 
on  behalf  of  my  afflicted  soul  ;  permit  me  to  raise  my 
voice,  unworthy  as  I  am,  and  call  thy  attention  from  on 
high.     lyook  down  I  beseech  Thee,  with  pity,  on  a  poor, 


Mary  S.  Lippincott,  47 

frail  mortal,  whose  heart  is  read}'  to  sink,  and  who  is 
almost  overwhelmed.  Leave  me  not  to  perish,  but  keep 
me,  1  entreat  Thee.  Snffer  me  to  abide  under  the 
shadow  of  th}'  wing.  Cleanse  me,  pnrif)^  me,  try  me, 
prove  me,  baptize  me  again  and  again,  if  consistent  with 
thy  holy  will,  ''  create  in  me  a  clean  heart,  and  renew  a 
right  spirit  within  me  ;''  teach  me  hnmility  ;  yea,  keep 
me  down  deep  in  the  valley,  that  I  ma}'  not  think  ninch 
of  ni3'self.  O,  gracious  Father!  lead  me  wheresoever 
Thou  desirest  me  to  go  ;  and  make  me  willing  to  bow 
in  full  submission  ;  fill  my  heart  with  thy  holy  presence, 
then  shall  I  be  th}^  devoted  servant,  having  a  song  of 
triumph  in  my  mouth,  even  praises,  glory,  honor,  and 
thanksgiving  to  "Thee,  the  only  true  God  and  Jesus 
Christ,  whom  Thou  hast  sent !"     Amen  ! 

Sixth  Month  20th,  1824. — My  occupations,  and  the 
weak  state  of  my  body,  have  not  allowed  me  to  take  up  the 
pen  for  a  long  time,  but  now  I  am  at  liberty  to  add  more 
to  my  Diary,  and  nia}^  it  be  in  humble  simplicity. 
Though  I  am  favored  at  times  to  feel  the  inshinings  of 
Divine  lyight,  and  the  sweetness  of  his  countenance,  j^et 
it  seems  transient.  Oh  !  may  I  abide  in  the  patience, 
through  all  my  afflictions,  seeking  to  profit  thereby, 
favored  still,  as  I  often  have  been  of  late,  to  feel  the 
overshadowing  of  Heavenly  Love.  I  have  long  thought, 
at  seasons,  that  I  was  fast  hastening  from  time  into 
eternity,  and  increasingly  so  of  late  ;  but  at  other  times 
have  looked  forward  to  what  has  appeared  as  work  for 
me  to  do,  but  now  all  seems  veiled  from  my  sight ;  and 


48  Life  and  Letters  of 

alas  !  1113^  best  feelings  seem  cold  and  dead.  And  yet,  I 
have  faith  that  the  Lord  will,  one  day,  "  arise  with  heal- 
ing in  his  wings  ;"  his  former  favors  having  been  abun- 
dantly suf&cient  to  fix  my  trust.  And  finding  my  bodily 
strength  failing,  I  desire  to  be  doubl}'  watchful,  that  I 
may  be  prepared  for  whatever  may  befall.  I  would 
rather  die,  seeking  to  enter  in  at  the  "  strait  gate,"  than 
live  a  careless,  unconcerned  life,  left  to  my  own  devices. 
2ist. — On  looking  over  the  past,  I  do  not  feel  that  I 
have  done  wrong  to  grieve,  though  I  am  striving  to  be 
quiet  and  composed  ;  3'et  trul\^  I  feel  stripped  of  ever}'- 
good  thing,  and  deepl}-  humbled  ,  earnestly  craving  that 
I  may  patiently  abide  under  the  hand  of  the  Former, 
that  I  may  be  rightly  formed  to  his  own  liking.  I  am 
very  often  reminded  b}"  ni}'^  friends,  that  "  Christians 
should  be  cheerful."  I  am  brought  to  query  what 
"  cheerfulness"  is  ;  and  whether  it  is  possible  for  per- 
sons, in  ever}^  state  of  spiritual  exercise,  to  be  the  same, 
and  to  evince,  by  the  expression  of  the  countenance, 
that  they  are  free  from  care,  joyous  and  light-hearted, 
carrying  no  burdens.  I  have  felt  what  I  consider  true 
cheerfulness,  when  perhaps  the  tears  have  flowed  down 
my  cheeks,  and  my  countenance  has  been  very  grave ; 
cheerfulness  arising  from  the  overflowings  of  Divine 
love  in  my  heart,  the  sense  of  gratitude  for  the  mercies 
shown  me,  all  unworthy  as  I  am.  I  do  believe  it  is  best 
for  me  to  be  sober  in  all  my  movements,  quiet  and  retired, 
that  I  may  be  more  watchful  over  myself;  feeling  that 
often   "  by  the  sadness  of  the  countenance  the  heart  is 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  49 

made  better."  ()li!  tliat  I  ma}-  be  ever  waiting,  ever 
watching,  ever  ready ;  that  at  whatsoever  hour  the 
Bridegroom  may  come,  I  ma}-  trim  my  lamp,  and  joy- 
full}^  go  with  Him  into  the  marriage  chamber. 

Eighth  Month  5th,  1824. — Much  favored  this  morn- 
ing in  meeting,  a  precious  season  to  me  and  to  others  ; 
much  good  counsel  being  also  given  to  the  children  by 
J.  Cook.  I  was  afraid  to  go  to  meeting,  as  I  sometimes 
am,  lest  more  should  be  required  of  me  than  I  am  will- 
ing to  yield  unto  :  and  though  I  so  often  covenant  that 
I  will  do  anything  asked  for,  if  peace  may  be  mine,  3^et 
when  the  time  conies  for  the  public  avowal  of  ni}^  alle- 
giance to  the  Lord,  I  shrink.  I  struggled  awhile  after 
I  had  taken  my  seat,  and  felt  the  tender  touches  of 
Divine  love. 

Ma}^  I  be  content  to  be  brought  low,  and  humiliated, 
after  such  favored  seasons  as  I  have  lately  had,  at  times, 
such  heartfelt  relief  from  the  sorrow  that,  for  a  time,  was 
a  daily  companion. 


PART    II. 

[  Foitfid  in  a  book  containhig  miscellaneous  items.  The  only  dates  in  this 
collection — luhere  the  year  is  given — are  those  of  1823  and  182^.  To  some  of 
the  entiles  the  day  of  the  month  is  prefixed,  but  not  the  year. '\ 

Blessed  be  the  name  of  the  Lord,  "  for  his  mercy 
endureth  forever." 

Oh  !  how  I  do  desire  that  I  may  be  kept  from  enter- 
ing into  trivial  conversation,  or  from  going  into  unprof- 


50  Life  and  Letters  of 

itable  compaiiv,  lest  I  be  cast  off  forever  from  having 
an}'  part  in  the  Kingdom  of  Glor}^ 

On  hearing  of  a  person  whose  expression  was  that 
he  was  "  as  a  brand  plncked  from  the  burning,"  I  was 
ready  to  sa}-  within  myself,  if  /  am  saved,  I  also  shall 
be  ;  for  I  was  told  b}-  a  Gospel  minister  [William  Fos- 
ter, from  England],  when  I  had  escaped  from  the  pros- 
pect of  a  sudden  death — and  I  have  since  wondered  how 
I  escaped — tliat  through  mere}-  I  was  spared  ;  for  had 
I  died  then,  I  should  have  been  a  brand  for  the  fire. 

''  Those  that  seek  me  earl}'  shall  find  me,"  saith 
the  Lord.  "  Behold  I  stand  at  the  door,  and  knock  ;  if 
any  man  hear  my  voice,  and  open  the  door,  I  will  come 
in  to  him,  and  will  sup  with  him,  and  he  with  me."  If 
thou  wilt  be  my  disciple,  I  will  lead  thee  into  green 
pastures,  and  beside  still  waters,  by  which  the  Shepherd 
of  Israel  feeds  his  flock.  Then  thou  mayst  quench  thy 
thirst,  and  satisfy  thy  hunger  with  that  bread  and  that 
water  which  the  world  knows  not  of;  only  be  thou  faith- 
ful, and  thou  shalt  be  saved.  How  hard  it  is  to  yield 
my  stubborn  heart.  Why  am  I  not  willing  to  have  my 
mind  always  occupied  aright  ?  I  love  to  go  to  meetings, 
and  often  feel  my  meetings  refreshing  seasons  ;  but  at 
other  times,  O,  how  the  enemy  comes  and  tempts  me 
with  drowsiness  !  How  long  shall  I  be  thus  tempted  ? 
There  is  a  possibility  of  overcoming,  but  not  by  my  own 
strength  ;  for  I  have  found  that  of  myself  I  can  do 
nothing.  "  Return,  repent  and  live ;"  for  it  is  high 
time. 


Mary  S,  Lippincott.  51 

How  often  does  tlie  encouraging  language  which 
my  beloved  friend,  J.  M.,  gave  me,  come  to  my  mind, 
and  strengthen  me  so  that  I  endeavor  to  persevere.  O, 
how  encouraging  was  the  language  which  he  handed 
forth,  at  a  time  when  I  was  laboring  under  discourage- 
ment, feeling  that  all  ni}-  striving  and  grieving  would 
prove  vain  ;  for  I  was  read}-  to  think  I  was  not  in  the 
path  which  I  had  l)een  placed  in  when  T  first  gave  up 
to  take  up  the  cross  !  The  second  time  that  he  visited 
us  here,  he  called  me  to  him,  after  he  had  bid  me  fare- 
well, and  said  that  his  coming  here  again  was  uncertain, 
and  that  he  wished  to  speak  with  me.  He  then  addressed 
me  about  as  follows  :  ''  Mar\^,  I  want  thee  to  be  encour- 
aged, for  thou  art  in  the  right  path  ;  and  be  particular 
to  take  good  care  to  preserve  th}'  health.  The  formation 
of  discipline  is  not  a  sudden  thing,  but  requires  time, 
and  thou  Avilt  find  times  of  rest  from  all  thy  cares."  I 
suppose  he  meant  for  me  to  improve  those  times,  which 
I  hope  I  have  been  favored  to  do  often,  but  I  fear  not 
always. 

The  next  time  he  came  here,  he  called  me  to  him 
in  the  evening,  and  said,  "  Mar}',  it  has  long  rested  on 
my  mind  to  establish  such  a  school  as  I  have  been  speak- 
ing of,  and  if  I  should  succeed,  thou  wilt  hear  from  me, 
as  it  seems  to  me  thou  art  the  person  ;  but  perhaps  thou 
wilt  not  like  to  live  out  in  the  back  woods."  I  replied 
that  it  would  make  but  little  difference  where  I  lived,  if 
I. was  only  doing  my  duty.  He  said,  for  some  years  of 
my  life,  he  supposed  it  would  not  make  much  ;   and  that 


52  Life  and  Letters  of 

he  had  felt  me  iiearl}'  and  teiiderl}-^  united  with  him,  and 
had  been  much  refreshed  in  ni}'  conipau}^ ;  that  when 
he  first  saw  me,  he  saw  that  there  was  an  extensive  ser- 
vice for  me  to  perform  in  some  department.  I  answered 
that,  if  I  was  only  obedient,  that  was  all  that  was  neces- 
sary. "  Yes,"  said  he,  "  and  if  ni}^  feelings  do  not  de- 
ceive me,  thou  art  obedient."  I  then  said,  I  felt  weak 
at  times  ;  he  replied,  that  after  feeling  weak,  we  could 
acknowledge  that  we  received  strength.  We  had  some 
more  conversation  which  I  hope  was  profitable;  may  I 
never  forget  it. 

Oh  !  how  can  I  ever  be  disobedient  after  having 
advanced  so  far  as  I  have  ?  Did  ni}^  friends  know  what 
baptisms  I  have  passed  through  ;  could  the}^  feel  the 
weight,  the  burden,  that  bows  down  my  soul  frequently, 
and  did  they  know  the  agonies  of  ni}-  spirit — when  my 
bod}"  is  reclining  upon  the  bed  which  is  intended  for  a 
couch  of  rest — the}-  would  feel  pity,  they  would  feel 
S3nnpath3'  with  me,  and  then,  I  think,  the}-  woiild  place 
no  temptations  in  ni}-  way.  How  often  do  I  lie,  sighing, 
groaning  and  weeping,  being,  as  it  were,  shut  up  in 
darkness  ;  my  Heavenl}^  Father  seeing  proper  to  with- 
draw himself  from  me  that  I  may  feel  ni}-  own  weak- 
ness and  poverty,  and  hence  the  greater  need  of  his 
strength.  But,  blessed  be  his  name,  in  his  own  time, 
He  is  pleased  to  visit  me  again  with  his  presence,  and 
give  me  to  taste  of  his  gracious  goodness  ;  others  also  have 
been  baptized,  before  me,  with  the  same  baptism,  and  by 
adhering  to  it  have  become  pillars  in  the  church  of  their 


Mary  S.  Lippiqcott.  53 

Heavenly  Father.  Such  examples  afford  me  mucli  en- 
couragement, and  teach  me  not  to  despair,  but  to  seek 
after  strength  to  have  self  brought  low,  and  to  become 
obedient  in  all  things,  that  I  may  neither  dread  to  live, 
nor  fear  to  die. 

This  day  have  ni}-  thoughts  been  turned  towards  my 
dear,  deceased  brother.  I  consider  that  for  more  than 
two  years  he  has  been  released  from  a  world  of  trouble, 
that  his  body  has  moldered  into  dust,  but  that  his  spirit 
is  at  rest,  singing  praises  day  and  night,  to  the  King  of 
kings.  Oh  !  that  I  also  may  be  prepared  to  go  ;  that 
when  I  am  called  upon  I  ma}^  go,  rejoicing,  to  the  man- 
sion of  rest.  No  one  knows — save  by  experience — what 
it  is  to  lose  a  near  relative.  But  I  will  not  dare  to  com- 
plain, but  will  try  to  be  thankful  that  my  tender  mother 
and  one  dear  brother  are  left.  Should  these  be  taken, 
be  pleased,  O  Glorious  Father,  to  enable  me  to  bear  the 
stroke  without  murmuring!  All  thy  ways  are  just  and 
righteous. 

Our  dear  Friend,  J.  H.,  spoke  in  meeting  some 
time  to  nic,  or  to  the  exercised  mind  which  was  present. 
It  applied  to  me,  so  that  I  knew  it  was  for  me  to  profit 
by ;  for  truly  I  was  under  deep  exercise,  and  could 
hardly  suppress  my  feelings  ;  the  tears  streamed  from 
my  eyes,  and  my  sighs  almost  choked  me.  He  said, 
during  liis  discourse,  that  he  believed  it  was  with  the 
person  now,  as  with  Saul  formerl}^,  who,  though  he  knew 
he  was  anointed  of  tlie  Lord,  3'et  wished  to  abide  in  the 


54  Life  and  Letters  of 

stuff.  This  was  true  concerning  me.  I  have  been,  at 
times,  made  sensible,  in  a  degree,  of  my  calling ;  but 
my  natural  wish  was  for  another  thing ;  for  not  much 
longer  remaining  in  a  single  state,  but  uniting  with 
the  object  of  my  affections  ;  which  course  I  find  is  not 
right  yet,  though  it  may  be  at  some  future  time. 

Oh,  may  I  remember  what  J.  H.  also  said,  for  it  has 
been  shown  me  for  some  years  past  that  I  have  been 
spared  and  nourished  up  to  do  a  zvork,  which  if  I  do  not 
give  lip  to  do,  woe  w411  be  unto  me.  Oh  !  that  I  may 
only  be  obedient  in  all  things  ;  that  my  soul  may  not  be 
lost. 

Oh,  how  was  my  soul  bowed  down  to-day,  after  leav- 
ing meeting,  having  been  there  tempted,  at  the  begin- 
ning of  the  meeting,  with  drowsiness !  I  feel  almost 
ready  to  despair,  and  have  been  made  to  cry — "  My  God, 
[Oh,]  why  hast  thou  forsaken  me!"  Even  since  then 
have  I  been  tempted  to  do  wrong,  but  not  so  strongly  as 
to  yield.  I  sat  down  alone  and  queried  with,  my  God, 
why  am  I  thus  shut  up  ?  What  must  I  do  ?  But  I  can- 
not find  his  presence  as  heretofore.  When  wilt  thou 
return,  O  Lord,  to  fill  me  with  thy  presence,  that  I  may 
again  rejoice  ?  My  only  hope  is  in  Thee.  I  am  very 
poor  and  need}'  ;  I  hunger  and  thirst;  I  long  to  be  fed 
by  thy  own  hand,  and  to  drink  of  th}^  cup,  for  I  feel 
almost  ready  to  faint  by  the  way.  Oh,  that  I  may  be 
strengthened  to  press  forward  with  hope.  If  I  could  re- 
lieve my  mind  \)y  revealing  ni}'  situation  to  some  friend, 
it  might  afford  me  a  little  comfort  ;  but  I  find  no  liberty 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  55 

to  do  so,  though  I  am  frequently  asked  what  ails  me — 
whether  I  have  the  headache,  &c.  Can  it  be  that  none 
of  this  family  have  any  idea  what  ails  me  ?  Are  they 
not  capable  of  judging  by  the  spirit?  I  fear  I  am  not 
competent  to  do  my  duty  here,  when  my  mind  is  so 
burdened  ;  but  I  do  not  often  feel  the  burden  while  in 
school,  as  my  mind  is  otherwise  occupied  while  there. 

It  is  hard  to  be  found  fault  with,  by  those  around 
us,  but  I  desire  to  bear  it  patiently,  and  not  to  retaliate, 
believing  that  with  all  my  might  I  strive  to  do  the  best 
I  know,  to  do  ni}-  duty  to  those  placed  under  my  care, 
though  I  sometimes  feel  ready  to  give  up  my  own  judg- 
ment in  school  matters. 

Oh,  that  I  may  wait  in  patience,  and  not  run  before 
I  am  sent,  nor  yet  hang  back  when  I  ought  to  go.  That 
I  ma}'  not  give  to  others  what  is  meant  for  myself,  nor 
keep  what  is  intended  for  others.  The  pain  in  my  head 
is  often  violent,  so  as  to  make  me  think  of  former  times. 
It  is  good  for  me  to  be  afflicted,  that  I  may  not  be  un- 
mindful of  the  sufferings  of  others,  or  of  myself  at  other 
times.  This  day  hath  been  one  of  sorrow  and  heaviness 
of  heart. 

On  Seventh-day  afternoon  I  felt  much  distressed,  but 
found  little  opportunit}-  to  be  alone,  till  evening.  Then 
I  did  not  feel  well  in  health,  and  the  distress  of  my 
mind  is  beyond  the  power  of  language  to  describe.  The 
anguish,  the  rendings,  the  heart-felt  sorrow  that  pierced 
me,  seemed  to  admit  of  no  relief.  I  walked  the  floor  of 
my  room,  and  poured  forth   streams  of  tears,  while  my 


56  Life  and  Letters  of 

sighs  almost  stifled  me.  At  a  late  hour  I  retired,  not  yet 
finding  any  relief,  neither  knowing  the  cause  of  my  dis- 
tress. I  thought  I  should  have  some  deeper  baptism  to 
pass  through.  I  lay  on  my  bed  groaning  and  weeping,  till 
I  found  liberty  to  close  my  eyes.  I  then  recommended 
myself  to  God,  desiring  that  He  would  be  pleased  not  to 
withhold  his  hand  from  chastening  me.  In  the  morning 
I  felt  no  better,  but  went  to  meeting  and  sat  down  in 
the  Cjuiet,  desiring  to  be  still  and  wait.  I  found  no 
relief:  could  not  discover  that  I  had  sinned,  save  in 
being  over  anxious  to  see  one  thing  the  day  before.  The 
time  between  the  meetings  was  passed  in  sorrow,  believ- 
ing that  death  was  to  be  my  lot,  and  that  soon.  Went 
to  meeting  in  the  afternoon,  and  was  favored  with  a  ray 
of  light  and  hope.  I  wondered  that  I  could  think  of 
nothing,  not  even  of  passages  of  Scripture ;  but  could 
only  sit  breathing  for  help  ;  when  it  presented  to  my 
mind  that  new  wine  must  not  be  put  into  old  bottles,  lest 
the  bottles  become  marred,  and  the  wine  spilled,  but  new 
wine  must  be  put  into  new  bottles,  that  both  may  be 
preserved.  Then  I  saw  that  the  old  in  me  was  not  en- 
tirely done  away,  and  I  craved  that  I  might  be  created 
anew.  I  felt  not  much  better  till  Second-day  evening, 
when  I  was  taken  more  unwell,  and  could  see  nothing 
but  death  before  me.  I  sat  down  alone,  in  the  kitchen, 
by  the  fire  ;  and  in  ni}-  meditation  and  distress,  some 
things  opened  to  ni}^  view,  and  so  on,  till  the  cloud  passed 
away,  and  a  brightness  as  of  the  Sun  of  Righteousness 
shone  forth.      I  now  felt  entirel}'  weaned  from  earthly 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  57 

things,  and  perfectly  resigned  to  die,  thinking  that  I  soon 
should,  I  prayed  that  I  might  bear  my  sickness  through- 
out patiently  ;  then  I  began  to  feel  that  death  was  not 
so  near,  and  that  this  conflict  was  to  wean  me  more  from 
the  world,  and  make  me  more  willing  to  do  the  Lord's 
service,  which  He  was  about  to  require  of  me.  I  feel 
yet  bowed,  for  fear  I  shall  not  willingly  give  up  to  open 
my  mouth  in  public,  if  He  still  requires  me  to,  as  I  have 
had  many  reasons,  for  this  long  time,  to  expect  He  will. 
I  feel  bowed  down  to  the  very  dust,  willing  to  creep  on 
the  earth  with  my  face  covered  with  the  dust  thereof,  for 
Christ's  sake  ;  and  yet  it  seems  almost  worse  than  death 
to  think  of  the  service  before  me,  even  opening  my 
mouth  in  public.  Oh!  that  I  may  be  obedient  and  faith- 
ful ,  for  if  I  am  not,  woe  will  be  unto  me.  There  will  be 
no  greater  service  imposed  upon  me  than  I  am  able  to 
perform,  if  I  am  only  obedient.  But  Oh,  what  I  have 
yet  to  pass  through  !  I  must  be  broken  again  and  again, 
until  I  am  willing  to  give  Him  my  heart.  O  glorious 
God !  O  righteous  Father !  be  pleased  to  chasten  me 
still,  but  not  in  thine  anger,  lest  I  be  consumed.  Baptize 
me  with  deeper  baptisms  ;  dip  me  still  deeper  in  Jordan  ; 
choose  me  in  the  furnace  of  affliction,  according  to  thy 
just  will,  that  I  may  be  made  willing  to  give  up  my  life 
to  thy  service,  and  give  Thee  the  glory,  honor,  and  praise 
forever.      Amen. 

If  I  could  dwell  alone,  then  would  I  pour  out  my 
soul  aloud  to  my  God  ;  but  perhaps  it  is  right  that  I 
have  employment. 


58  Life  and  Letters  of 

I  thank  Thee,  Oh  Father,  that  Thou  hast  not  suffered 
me  to  be  tempted  with  drowsiness  in  some  of  my  late 
meetings,  and  I  have  long  found  Thou  wouldst  not  suffer 
me  to  be  tempted  when  I  asked  for  help  in  faith. 

Sixth  Month  24th. — Oh,  the  griefs  of  my  heart !  The 
distress  !  What  shall  I  do  ?  I  fear  I  am  sinking  into  a 
state  of  melancholy.  Having  my  mind  partly  engaged 
through  the  day,  makes  the  distress  press  more  heavily  at 
night ;  and  in  my  lonel}^  hours,  sleep  has  almost  fled  from 
me  for  some  time  past,  and  I  feel  as  if  my  health  would 
be  injured  more  and  more,  unless  I  can  find  some  remedy. 
I  cannot  find  that  I  have  been  guilty  of  evil  that  is 
working  upon  me  ;  my  sins  have  appeared  to  me  to  be 
blotted  out,  through  my  repenting,  and  trying  to  do  my 
best.  This  trying  dispensation  must  be  to  wean  me  en- 
tirely from  all  earthly  things.  Already  I  feel  so  far 
weaned,  that  I  can  wish  to  live  for  nothing  but  to  serve 
my  God.  It  is  good  for  me  to  be  afflicted,  that  I  may 
continue  to  be  weaned,  for  I  know  from  experience  that 
sin  bringeth  sorrow.  I  feel  that  I  must  give  up  all,  and 
submit  to  the  cross  ;  but  I  regard  myself  almost  as  one 
unworthy  to  perform  a  service.  My  night  visions,  what 
is  their  interpretation  ?  Being,  as  I  think,  not  asleep, 
but  lost  in  sorrow  a  few  weeks  since — I  saw  as  I  lay 
upon  my  bed,  a  large  chain  lowered  down  from  the  ceil- 
ing to  the  floor,  and  it  seemed  to  move  towards  me,  and 
to  disturb  me  so,  that  I  shook  with  fear.  Last  night,  as 
I  lay  in  deep  sorrow,  I  saw  another  chain,  with  three 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  59 

cords  of  very  fine  iron  strands,  of  a  bluish  color,  let  down 
from  the  ceiling  on  to  my  bed,  close  by  my  right  side 
(I  think  there  were  not  more  than  three  cords),  and  I 
saw  them  shake,  which  alarmed  me  so  greatly  that  I 
trembled  for  fear,  and  was  almost  choked  with  grief. 
What  can  be  the  meaning  of  so  extraordinary  a  sight  ? 
Persons  sometimes  have  to  be  chained,  but  I  hope  that 
this  is  not  to  be  my  lot.  It  has  occurred  to  me  that  the 
interpretation,  in  part — or  perhaps  all — is  that  I  must 
be  fastened  with  that  iron  chain  which  is  an  emblem  of 
the  golden  chain  which  was  let  down  from  Heaven, 
whose  three  cords  were  ^'  Faith,  Hope  and  Charity."  I 
do  not  know  that  such  a  thing  has  ever  been  spoken  of, 
but  I  think  it  must  have  been,  or  it  would  not  have  been 
presented  to  my  mind.  Oh  !  that  I  may  be  helped  to 
have  faith  and  hope,  believing  that  my  gracious  Master 
will  in  his  own  time  return,  and  that  I  may  also  have 
charit}"  for  those  who  trespass  against  me. 

Tenth  Month  3rd. — Oh,  wretched  one  that  I  am, 
where  shall  I  flee  for  safety  ?  I  fear  that  for  these  two 
weeks  past  I  have  not  been  advancing  toward  Zion  as 
fast  as  heretofore.  What  is  it  that  has  turned  me  aside, 
or  impeded  my  progress?  Who  can  tell?  Oh,  that  I 
may  not  be  at  ease,  lest  He  "  spew  me  out  of  his  mouth," 
with  the  lukewarm.  I  have  not  known,  I  believe,  for 
several  months,  what  it  is  to  smile  with  an  easy  heart. 
Indeed,  for  several  years  I  have  felt  something  within, 
restraining  me  from  indulging  in  levit\' ;  though  I  have 
sometimes  bordered  on  it.     I  feel  deeply  concerned  lest 


60  Life  and  Letters  of 

I  shall  be  cut  off  in  the  bloom  of  life,  for  not  being  will- 
ing to  give  up  freely  to  putting  my  talents  to  usefulness 
in  the  church.  That  I  ought  to  do  so,  or  I  shall  be 
found  wanting,  has  been  shown  to  me  by  the  inspeaking 
Word,  as  well  as  by  the  Lord's  servants.  I  often  think 
I  could  willingly  close  my  eyes  forever — feeling  no 
strong  ties  to  bind  me  to  this  world — and  often  feel  as 
if  my  end  were  near ;  and  a  few  evenings  since,  when 
dwelling  under  this  feeling,  these  lines  flowed  sponta- 
neously from  my  mind  : — 

I  feel  my  days  as  almost  past, 
And  look  to  Him  with  hope  at  last. 
From  whom  all  blessings  come  : 

May  He  be  pleased  to  condescend 
To  be  my  Father  and  my  Friend, 
And  guide  my  spirit  home. 

Help  me,  O  Thou  most  righteous  and  adorable 
Father !  Be  pleased  to  help  me,  thy  poor  afflicted,  hum- 
ble, dependent  child,  who  goes  sorrowing  on  her  way. 
Keep  me  humble,  suffer  me,  unworthy  as  I  am,  to  raise 
mine  e3^es  to  Heaven,  and  admit  me  to  partake  a  little  of 
the  bread  of  life.  With  thy  rod  correct  me,  and  chastise 
me  according  to  thy  righteous  will,  until  I  be  purified 
from  the  dross,  and  cleansed ;  then  shall  I  be  able  to 
worship  Thee  in  spirit  and  in  truth.  Thou  who  alone 
art  worthy  of  all  praise,  honor,  and  glory,  forever — I  feel 
a  little  of  thy  strengthening  presence  ;  I  taste  a  little  of 
thy  goodness,  so  as  to  acknowledge  that  Thou  hast  not 
left  me  in  the  vale  of  woe,  but  that  Thou  still  hast  mercy 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  61 

upon  me  ;  still  lookest  down  with  an  eye  of  compassion, 
as  a  tender  Father  on  a  repenting  child.  Bow  me  down, 
I  humbl}^  beseech  Thee,  into  the  dust ;  cause  ni}^  bread 
to  be  mingled  with  sighs,  and  my  drink  with  tears,  that 
I  may,  through  these  dispensations,  be  made  willing  to 
turn  m}^  back  wholly  upon  the  world,  and  ni}^  face  to 
Zion.  Then  shall  I  become  obedient  to  Thee,  who  alone 
can  save  me  in  the  hour  of  temptation,  and  keep  me  from 
falling  into  the  pit.  Blessed  be  thy  name  forever.  May 
thy  kingdom  be  established  above  all  in  me.  May  I 
serve  Thee  with  all  my  might,  power  and  strength,  even 
unto  the  end. 

Oh  !  that  I  may  find.  Him  (the  Alpha  and  Omega) , 
to  be  present  with  me  when  I  awake  in  the  morning, 
that  I  may  renew  my  covenants,  and  double  my  diligence, 
to  press  forward  toward  the  glorious  prize. 


PART    Ml. 

First  Month,  1844.  —  It  has  been  steadily  my  in- 
tention to  look  over  and  adjust  my  writings,  as  some 
of  my  early  experiences  and  exercises  of  spirit,  may 
be  profitable  to  my  children,  at  least,  and  perhaps  unto 
others  ;  but  as  yet  opportunity  has  not  served.  I  also 
feel  it  right  to  leave  on  record  my  views  on  some  subjects. 

I  am  now  in  my  forty-third  year,  and  on  looking 
back  to  what  occurred  in  my  j^outh,  it  seems  so  long  ago 
as  to  be  almost  like  a  dream.     Oh  !  the  deep  provings 


62  Life  and  Letters  of 

and  exercises  that  were  mine,  no  mortal  knows  ;  but, 
thanks  be  unto  God,  He  showed  me  the  beauty  of  the 
"  New  Jerusalem,"  and  steadil}-  instructed  me  that  the 
righteous  should  inherit  it,  and  find  joy  and  peace  in 
dwelling  therein.  The  Lord  has  not  forgotten  his  hand- 
maiden, even  in  her  low  estate,  keeping  me  in  "  perfect 
peace,"  as  my  mind  has  been  "  stayed  on  Him,  and  I 
have  "  trusted  "  Him  full}^,  to  "  supply  my  ever}'  need." 

Second  Month,  1845. — How  swiftly  the  years  roll 
around  !  To  think  that  so  many  3-ears  of  ni}^  life  should 
have  passed  awa}-,  and  so  little  of  the  great  work  shown 
me,  (at  the  time  that  I  was  a  school-girl,  when  the  lan- 
guage saluted  mj^  spiritual  ear,  "  Simon,  son  of  Jonas, 
lovest  thou  me  ?  Feed  mj'  sheep  ;  ")  so  little  of  the  work 
seen  in  the  opening  of  visions  has  been  accomplished. 

Oh,  that  I  could  extricate  myself  from  my  worldly 
concerns,  so  as  to  attend  more  fully  to  requisitions  of 
duty ;  or  that,  b}'  my  own  industr}',  I  might  procure 
pecuniary  means,  so  as  to  feel  warranted  in  paying  visits 
in  Gospel  love,  in  accordance  with  the  clear  manifesta- 
tions of  duty — a  work  to  which  more  faithfully  to  attend, 
I  believe  would  be  a  blessing  to  me,  in  ever}^  sense  of  the 
word.  Thou  only  knowest,  Most  Holy  One,  what  the 
exercises  of  ni}^  spirit,  the  deep  baptisms,  have  been  and 
are  ;  Thou  only  knowest  what  I  have  passed  through  for 
months  past,  because  my  way  seemed  hedged  in  on  every 
side,  so  that  the  shrinking  from  known  duty  has  brought 
weakness  and  darkness,  till  I  have  felt  ready  to  adopt 
the  language,  "  My  foot  had  well-nigh  slipped." 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  63 

Yet,  Thou  art  matchless  mere}',  and  iu  Thee  have  I 
hope,  that,  as  1113'  soul  boweth  in  awful  reverence  and 
prostration,  desiring  nothing  but  to  serve  Thee,  that 
Thou  wilt  cast  up  a  way  before  me  into  the  South  ; 
whither,  for  mau}^  3'ears,  thou  hast  shown  me  that  my 
feet  must  be  turned  ;  that  the  glad  tidings  of  the  Gospel 
of  peace  and  salvation  ma}-  be  proclaimed,  tending  to 
the  opening  of  the  prison  doors  and  setting  the  captives 
free.  O  ye  Southern  vStates  !  the  ''voice  of  th}'  brother's 
blood  crieth  unto  me  from  the  ground,"  saith  the  Lord. 
Hear  3'e  the  voice  of  the  quickening  Spirit  of  the  great 
"I  am,"  that  3'e  may  escape  the  judgments  of  the  Al- 
might3^,  by  turning  aside  from  the  inicjuity  of  oppressing 
your  fellow-men  !  Men,  made  b3'  the  same  good  Being, 
for  the  same  great  end,  and  whose  salvation  is  equall3^ 
precious  in  his  sight ;  for,  ''  All  souls  are  mine,"  saith 
the  Lord.  As  that  of  the  master,  so  of  the  slave.  Poor, 
bowed  down,  and  oppressed,  with  a  load  of  ignorance 
heaped  upon  him  b3'  his  more  depraved  superior,  the 
white  man — more  depraved  because  he  sins  with  his 
eyes  open  ;  sounding  abroad  his  belief  in  the  New  Tes- 
tament, while  living  in  open  violation  of  its  precepts. 
Oh,  the  weight  of  the  concern  that  I  have  felt,  increas- 
ingly so,  for  years,  for  the  United  States  of  America,  that 
it  might  become  a  trul3'  Christian  nation,  having  no 
other  banner  than  the  "  banner  of  the  Prince  of  Peace ;" 
that  as  our  written  "  Institutions"  are,  so  we  may  be — a 
light  to  surrounding  nations,  in  peace,  in  uprightness, 
in  temperance,  in   meekness,  in  brotherly  kindness  and 


64  Life  and  Letters  of 

in  charity.  That  the  sound  of  implements  of  war  be 
not  heard,  nor  the  glistening  of  weapons  be  seen  in  onr 
Western  Land  ;  that  the  groan  of  oppression  be  no  more 
heard  thronghont  our  borders,  with  nothing  to  hurt  or 
destroy,  because  righteousness  covers  the  earth,  as  the 
"  waters  cover  the  sea,"  and  justice  reigns,  from  the 
"  rivers  to  the  ends  of  the  earth." 

Tenth  Month  4th,  1853. — Thou  knowest,  O  Lord! 
that  my  request,  on  the  bended  knee  of  the  soul,  has 
been  in  regard  to  the  arduous  undertaking  of  re-opening 
school.  If  thou.  Lord,  wilt  be  with  me,  and  keep  me  in 
this  way,  that  I  go,  and  give  me  "  bread  to  eat,  and 
raiment  to  put  on,"  then  Thou  shalt  be  my  God,  and  of 
all  that  Thou  givest  me,  a  part  of  my  outward  substance, 
as  Thou  directest,  shall  be  devoted  to  the  use  designed  ; 
so  that  I  may  be  found  following  the  footsteps  of  thy  dear 
Son,  when  He  appeared  in  the  outward  life,  doing  good  to 
the  bodies  as  well  as  the  souls  of  men.  In  what  way  can 
this  be  used  to  more  profit,  than  in  aiding  the  dear  youth 
in  receiving  a  guarded  education,  that  they  may  grow 
up  prepared  to  be  helpful,  as  social  beings,  in  the  com- 
munity, and  useful  members  of  the  militant  church  ? 
But,  Thou  beholdest  ni\^  frailties,  and  seest  my  weak- 
nesses. Of  m3^self  I  can  do  nothing  in  this  concern. 
Help  me,  O  Father!  for  on  thy  name  do  I  call,  having 
none  to  look  to  but  Thee,  nor  to  pour  out  my  feelings 
unto !  To  Thee  do  I  make  known  my  cause,  while  the 
mountains,  as  it  were,  are  upon  my  shoulders,  weighing 


Mary  S,  Lippincott,  65 

me  down.  I  ask  not  for  an  easier  path,  but  that  in 
patience  and  resignation  I  may  bow  under  the  burden, 
and  walk  in  the  wa}-  appointed,  till  the  mountain  of 
difficulty  be  removed,  the  outward  debts  be  paid,  and 
the  inward  accounts  be  squared.  The  former  I  have 
longed  for  more  than  anything  else  in  the  world,  the 
latter,  more  than  life  !  O  Father !  Thou  knowest  my 
besetments,  and  that  Thou  hast  made  a  way  for  me  from 
my  youth  up,  when  both  inwardh-  and  outwardly,  no 
way  appeared.  Thou  hast  done  much,  and  forgiven 
much  ;  therefore,  may  I  love  much,  and  serve  Thee  all 
the  da^'S  of  my  life.  What  is  the  world  to  me,  only  as 
thy  gift  ?  What  are  all  its  riches  compared  with  heav- 
enly treasure  ?  When  the  light  of  thy  countenance  is 
beheld,  all  is  beaming  with  joy  ;  when  clouds  and  dark- 
ness are  around  about  the  habitation  of  thy  throne,  then 
sadness  reigns  !  But,  when  sadness  covers  my  spirit, 
owing  to  the  weight  of  responsibility-  resting  upon  me, 
I  have  to  put  on  a  cheerful  countenance  for  the  sake  of 
those  entrusted  to  my  charge,  lest  I  make  my  own  words 
of  no  account  ;  viz  :  "  This  is  a  world  in  which  little  is 
given  us  to  complain  of,  but  much  to  enjoy  ;"  and  again. 
Having  in  all  things  ''  a  conscience  void  of  offence  toward 
God,  and  toward  men."  This  constitutes  that  peace 
which  the  world  can  neither  give  nor  destroy  !  I  have 
had  a  diversified  path  through  life,  many  trials  and  sore 
conflicts  ;  but  in  all,  my  God  has  never  forsaken  me  ! 
I  have  known  of  his  goodness  and  his  mercy,  and 
that  they  fail  not.     He  is  surely  on  my  side,  and  will  up- 


'66  Life  and  Letters  of 

hold  me  during  the  few,  fleeting  days  y^i  allotted  me  in 
this  lower  world  ;  and  when  my  time  here  closes,  will 
take  me  to  himself  in  eternity.  Oh  !  what  a  bright  and 
glorious  prospect !  Often,  verj'  often,  dearest  Father, 
hast  Thou  given  me,  in  the  visions  of  light,  a  view  of  the 
existence  beyond  the  grave,  and  a  foretaste  of  the  joys 
to  come,  to  buo}-  me  up  while  journeying  in  the  deeps, 
alone  in  the  midst  of  compan}',  and  as  an  orphan  in  the 
wilderness  of  this  world.  Keep  m\'  precious  children, 
O  Holy  One  !  that  they  may  dwell  in  thy  courts,  and 
walk  in  the  wa}-  of  obedience  ;  loving  Thee  more  than 
the  wx)rld,  and  th}^  law  and  th}^  testimonies,  more  than 
the  glor}^  and  the  glitter  presented  to  their  3'outhful 
view. 

I  feel  that  1  am  rapidly  approaching  "  that  bourn 
from  whence  no  traveler  returns,"  and  Oh,  how  I  long 
for  retirement  and  indwelling  of  spirit,  that  I  may  be 
prepared  from  day  to  da}^  so  to  order  my  footsteps  aright, 
as  to  encourage  others  to  walk  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord, 
and  to  love  righteousness. 

My  love  for  my  fellow-beings  increases  with  the 
increase  of  years  ;  but  I  love  the  Truth  and  its  testi- 
monies too  dearly  to  sacrifice  them  in  order  to  gain  the 
friendships  of  this  world.  The  love  of  God  enlarges  my 
feelings  in  love  to  Him,  and  to  his  servants  ;  unites  my 
heart  to  them  in  the  fellowship  of  the  Gospel  of  his  dear 
Son,  and  overflows  in  desire  for  the  gathering  of  the 
scattered  tribes,  for  the  return  of  the  poor  wanderer  and 
the  salvation  of  all.     Peace  to  him  that  is  afar  off,  and 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  67 

to  him  that  is  nigh,  if  his  face  is  only  turned  toward  Zion 
— if  he  is  journeying  thitherward — but  "there  is  no  peace 
to  the  wicked!"  These  must  turn  from  their  evil  ways 
before  his  servants  can  have  fellowship  with  them.  And 
from  whom  must  the  servant  withdraw  sooner  than  from 
thieves  and  robbers  ;  those  who  are  striving  to  climb  up 
some  other  way  into  the  kingdom,  than  by  "  Christ  the 
door  ?"  Such  are  they  who  are  erecting  creeds,  substi- 
tuting" rites  and  ceremouies  ;  calling  upon  men  to  bow 
before  images  and  put  np  petitions  unto  them,  as  though 
these  could  save  them,  or  empower  them  to  overcome 
their  enemies,  or  "  turn  the  battle  to  the  gate." 

Such  are  they  who  are  running  in  their  own  time 
and  wa}',  to  convert  the  world,  and  to  reform  their  fellow- 
beings.  "  By  their  fruits  "  shall  ye  know  them.  Are 
their  fruits  humility,  simplicit}^  self-denial — a  renuncia- 
tion of  the  world's  customs  and  policies  ?  Or,  are  not 
too  many  of  these  seen  gorgeoush'  attired,  and  conform- 
ing to  the  world  in  its  flattering  titles,  and  in  its  salaried 
ministr}^  studied  sermons,  prayers,  and  such  like  ?  Or, 
are  the  times  changed  since  the  days  that  the  Holy 
Jesus  found,  among  his  bitterest  enemies,  the  High 
Priests,  and  professors  of  a  Pharisaical  religion — the 
Sabbatarians,  and  those  who  were  sticklers  for  their 
church  rites,  making  them  of  account  in  direct  violation 
of  the  doctrines  of  Christ.  "  It  is  the  spirit  that  quick- 
eneth,  the  flesh  profiteth  nothing."  Have  not  Friends 
fallen  into  the  current  that  is  rushing  onward,  and  bear- 
ing down  almost  everything  before  it ;  a  current  of  unity 


68  Life  and  Letters  of 

with  this  working  with  all  (whether  qualified  or  not,  by 
the  preparing  Hand)  to  bring  about  by  outward  means, 
a  reformation  ?  We  need  not  again  an  outward  Saviour, 
for  it  is  declared,  "  He  died  once  for  all."  In  that  pre- 
pared body,  He  "  bore  our  iniquities,"  He  was  bruised 
for  our  transgressions,  and  with  his  stripes  are  we  healed." 
A  spiritual  Saviour  is  now  needed  to  take  us  within  the 
veil  where  the  life  is,  and  where  we  are  to  learn  the  way 
to  "  work  the  works  of  righteousness,"  which  are  peace, 
and  the  effect  of  which  is  ''  quietness  and  assurance  for- 
ever!" Oh,  ni}'  people!  come  ye  unto  the  light  of  the 
Lord,  and  raise  an  ensign  before  the  nations  ;  say  ye  to 
the  inhabitants  of  the  earth,  "Christ  is  risen!"  He  is 
not  in  the  earth,  but  above  it ;  come  up  hither,  in  spirit, 
and  behold  his  spiritual  appearance,  the  Christ  of  God, 
manifested  in  man — a  Saviour  to  save  him  from  sin  ;  a 
Redeemer  to  redeem  his  spirit ;  a  way  by  which  to  ap- 
proach the  Father — the  way,  the  truth,  the  light  and  the 
life  !  All  the  angels  in  Heaven  are  subject  unto  Him  ; 
his  kingdom  is  an  everlasting  kingdom,  established 
when  all  others  are  overthrown.  No  man  knoweth  the 
Father  but  the  Son,  and  he  to  whom  the  Son  revealeth 
Him ;  to  have  the  Father  revealed,  the  Son  must  be 
born  in  us — the  Son  of  God,  and  the  Son  of  Man — the 
Lord's  Christ  !  "Manifest  in  the  flesh,  justified  in  the 
spirit,  preached  to  the  Gentiles,  believed  on  in  the  world, 
[and]  received  up  into  glory."  May  Friends  unite  in  a 
saving\>^\di  in  Him  ;  which  is  to  "  know  Thee,  the  only 
true  God,  and  Jesus  Christ,  whom  Thou  hast  sent,"  for 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  69 

this  is  "life  eternal."  O  Lord!  keep  me  in  a  humble, 
teachable  state,  ever  learning  in  the  school  of  Christ, 
when  and  where  only,  Christians  are  taught. 

First  Month  ist,  1854. — My  time  is  so  occupied 
with  the  many  pressing  cares  connected  with  our  Board- 
ing School  concerns,  that  my  pen  is  often  laid  aside 
unused,  even  when  very  much  arises  to  place  on  paper, 
or  to  convey  to  others.  I  fear  that  my  thoughts,  like 
the  water  that  lacks  an  outlet,  will  become  stagnant ;  a 
circulation  keeps  them  pure  if  they  flow  in  a  pure  chan- 
nel. 

Another  year  is  begun  ;  O,  time  !  how  rapid  is  thy 
flight ;  and  ah,  how  little  work  is  done !  I  look,  and 
behold  childhood  and  youth  far  in  the  past ;  the  strength 
and  energy  of  middle-age  gone  ;  and  now  I  am  descend- 
ing the  hill  that  leads  down  to  the  silent  grave,  the  dust 
from  which  I  was  taken.  How  soon  the  period  will 
arrive,  when  a  veil  will  obscure  terrestrial  objects,  and 
the  things  that  have  been  visible  will  be  seen  no  more 
forever.  How  has  the  world  changed  to  me,  an  evidence 
that  I  myself,  have  changed.  Many  things  delighted 
me  once,  even  when  my  life  was  in  the  midst  of  bitter- 
ness ;  now  I  feel  that  I  would  gladly  retire  from  every- 
thing, for  the  welfare  of  the  church,  and  the  good  of  my 
fellow-men.  Everything  now  is  a  hardship,  save  only  the 
zvork  to  which  I  have  feebly  put  my  hand.  And  yet,  I 
do  but  little,  and  keep  back  from  labor,  being  beset  on 
every  hand.  Oh  !  how  faithful  were  our  early  Friends, 
and  how  devoted  to   the   cause  which   they  so  heartily 


70  Life  and  Letters  of 

espoused  :  neither  their  outward  business  nor  the  arm 
of  power,  arrested  their  progress  ;  thus  they  were  made 
"  fruitful  in  the  field  of  offering,  and  joyful  in  the  house 
of  prayer."  O  that  way  would  open  for  me  to  cast  off 
my  burdens  in  those  parts  of  the,  vineyard  to  which  they 
severally  belong!  Fori  feel  pressed  down,  as  a  "cart 
[under]  sheaves." 

Twelfth  Month  2nd. — Nearly  a  year  has  elapsed 
since  I  opened  my  book  to  write,  but  I  have  penned 
a  great  niau}^  letters,  &c.  Believing  it  right  to  do 
so,  I  correspond  with  many  friends  on  the  subjects 
which  most  nearly  interest  me, — the  spread  of  the  peace- 
able religion  of  Jesus  ;  the  advancement  of  the  glorious 
cause  of  Truth  ;  and  the  welfare  of  our  highly-favored 
Society — that  this  would  return  to  first  principles  and  its 
first  love,  thereby  to  be  a  "  burning  and  a  shining  light," 
bearing  witness  unto  the  Truth  ;  and  pointing  to  the 
"  Lamb  of  God  which  taketh  away  the  sin  of  the  world," 

First  Month  ist,  1855. — Another  year  has  unfolded 
itself  to  view,  ushered  in  with  a  placid  serenity  befitting 
my  retired  feelings  ;  and  with  a  brightness  analagous  to 
the  glory  which  breaks  upon  ni}^  mental  vision.  Last 
evening,  passed  away  the  purified  spirit  of  my  beloved, 
my  revered  friend,  Mary  Jessup  ;  taken  from  us  in  the 
midst  of  her  usefulness,  and  when  her  path,  as  the  just 
man's,  was  brightening  to  the  "  perfect  day."  The  time 
spent  with  her  in  her  sick  chamber,  was  a  memorable 
season  ;  it  seemed  as  though  the  Almighty  was  beheld 
there,  sitting  upon  his  throne,  his  train  filling  his   holy 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  71 

temple.  I  said  in  my  heart,  as  language  distilled  like 
the  dew  of  Heaven  from  her  lips,  "  while  /;/,  she  is  above 
the  world."  God  maketh  her  face  to  shine,  and  giveth 
her  strength  and  language  more  than  human.  Oh  !  if 
I  had  ever  doubted  a  happy  immortality^,  I  could  have 
doubted  it  no  longer.  Her  happiness  amidst  extreme 
suffering  and  great  bodily  weakness,  no  language  can 
portra3\  The  brightness  of  her  perceptions  ;  the  sweet 
composure  with  which  she  gave  to  her  dear  husband  and 
children,  and  many  others,  her  djdng  admonitions  ;  her 
parting  counsel  and  fervent  pra^^ers,  contriting  every 
heart.  None  but  a  Divine  Hand  could  have  sustained 
her.  The  reward  of  a  well-spent  life,  was,  in  part,  re- 
ceived, ere  the  vital  spark  was  quenched.  She  is  gone, 
and  I  am  sad,  though  rejoicing  in  her  release  from  suf- 
fering. She  asked  for  me  a  blessing,  and  prayed  that 
some  of  the  youth  might  be  raised  up  to  bear  up  my 
hands  in  old  age.  That  in  near  feelings  of  unit}',  she 
had  done  it,  we  having  been  closely  bound  together. 
Ah  !  I  have  indeed  lost  a  friend  ;  may  my  spirit  be  hum- 
bled and  kept  at  the  feet  of  Jesus,  so  that  I  may  be  cared 
for  and  preserved  during  my  pilgrimage  journey. 

First  Month  24th. — The  twenty-fifth  j^ear  since  the 
birth  of  my  first  child !  What  changes  since  then,  and 
how  many  trying  dispensations.  Five  sons  (the  eldest, 
mine  by  adoption,  a  choice  young  man,  the  son  of  my 
dear  I.),  removed  from  this  to  a  better  world  ;  all  innocent 
and  happy  !  Close  as  were  the  trials,  blessed  be  God, 
He  always  gave  me  the  spirit  of  resignation,  so  that  I 


72  Life  and  Letters  of 

could  bless  the  hand  that  afflicted,  not  asking  their  stay  ; 
and  could  adopt  the  language,  "Thy  will  be  done!" 
And  now,  in  looking  back  over  all  the  trials  of  my  past 
life  (and  these  have  been  many),  they  sink  into  insignifi- 
cance when  compared  with  the  "  goodness  and  mercy" 
that  have  followed  me  all  my  days,  even  in  the  time  of 
my  greatest  rebellion,  when  met  by  the  "  reproofs  of  in- 
struction," which  are  the  way  of  life.  As  judgments 
then,  his  mercy  was  shown  bidding  me  to  bow  at  his 
presence,  while  his  "  mercy  covered  the  judgment  seat." 
Oh  !  how  shall  I  ever  tell,  in  the  fullness  of  his  ''  loving 
kindness  to  the  children  of  men  ;"  or  how  speak  of  the 
niau}^  bountiful  gifts  dispensed,  both  spiritual  and  tem- 
poral, to  poor  wayward  man,  to  insure  his  happiness  in 
this  changing  state,  and  in  that  which  is  unchangeable 
— a  brilliant  scene  ? 

This  earth,  formed  as  it  is,  and  surrounded  by  yon 
orbs  of  dazzling  beauty,  has  not  been  formed  in  vain, 
for  man  to  live  upon  and  despise.  Ah  !  no  ;  it  is  the 
Almighty's  footstool,  where  the  prints  are  seen  of  his 
all-potent  tread.  Walk  where  we  may,  there  may  we 
see  his  Heavenly  impress  ;  in  the  plants  that  grow,  from 
the  greatest  to  the  least ;  in  the  beasts  that  roam  the 
forests  ;  the  birds  that  soar  high  in  the  air ;  and  in  the 
varied  tribes  that  inhabit  the  waters — these  are  all  the 
works  of  Deity,  who  pronounced  them  "  good"  when  He 
created  them,  and  gave  them  their  position.  At  the 
head  of  the  animal  creation  He  placed  man,  the  "lord 
of  all."     As  head  of  these,  a  harmonious  head,  should  he 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  73 

keep  his  position.      But,  alas  !   he  fell ;   by  disobedience 
he  fell,  and  sorrow  and  snifering  came  into  the  world. 

27th. — I  have  learned  more  in  the  school  of  afflic- 
tion, than  in  all  the  joyous  seasons  I  have  ever  known  ; 
for  in  times  when  outward  springs  of  consolation  were 
closed,  then  the  poor  mind  resorted,  as  did  the  woman 
of  Samaria,  to  Jacob's  well,  and  there  found  the  Master, 
with  living  water,  waiting  to  give  freeh',  and  to  instruct 
with  his  loving  counsel  ; — in  this  school  I  have  had 
man}'  a  lesson  to  learn.  To  use  the  words  of  dear  James 
Simpson,  the  elder,  "  I  took  my  degrees  in  the  back 
part  of  the  wilderness,  where  the  spirit  of  the  Lord 
moved  Samson,  in  the  camp  of  Dan."  I  had  none  to 
look  to  as  ni}'  teacher,  or  to  depend  upon  but  the  Most 
High  God,  who  spake  to  my  mind  b}^  the  language  of 
impression,  and  w^ho  also,  made  the  Holy  Scriptures 
instrumental  in  my  instruction,  opening  passages  an- 
swering to  my  state  of  mind  ;  and  showing  me  the  wonder- 
working power  of  the  Invisible  One  within  his  rational 
creatures,  to  bring  them  into  a  state  of  preparation  for 
the  enjoyment  of  his  presence,  and  of  his  glorious  King- 
dom forever ! 

Touching  visible  things,  man  b}'  his  wisdom,  even 
the  "  spirit  of  man"  which  is  given  him,  ma}^  compre- 
hend them  in  their  appearances,  in  their  movements, 
and  in  their  changes  ;  knowing  at  the  same  time,  that 
"there  lives  and  works  a  soul  in  all  things,  and  that 
soul  is  God."  But,  touching  spiritual  things,  these 
cannot  be  understood  b}^  the  natural  man,  neither  can 
6 


74  Life  and  Letters  of 

he  comprehend  them,  only  as  in  passive  obedience  to 
that  "  sure  word  of  prophecy,"  he  gives  heed  in  all 
things,  "  until  the  day  dawn,  and  the  day-star  arise  in 
[his]  heart ;"  giving  attention  to  the  first  preparing  for 
an  increase  of  Heavenly  light  and  knowledge,  and  of 
that  wisdom  which  cometh  down  from  above,  making 
him  "wise  unto  salvation." 

First  Month  ist,  1856.— This,  the  first  day  of  the 
week,  of  the  month,  and  of  the  year,  comes  clothed  in 
robes  of  spotless  white,  none  of  the  defilements  of  the 
year  just  departed,  nothing  to  soil  the  garment  that  cov- 
ers the  trees  and  ground !  How  is  it  with  the  hearts  of 
the  sons  and  daughters  of  men  ?  Let  us  view  our  own, 
in  that  light  that  dawns  upon  our  understandings,  and 
see  whether  the  same  purity  and  spotless  innocence 
abound  !  Whether  passively,  through  the  night-season, 
as  one  year  was  retreating  and  another  advancing,  we 
spread  out  our  minds  to  receive  the  grace  of  God  in  its 
descendings,  to  obliterate  all  crime  ;  to  wash  away  our 
sins,  and  remove  every  defilement ;  so  that,  with  the 
ushering  in  of  a  new  morning,  we  might  arise  from  our 
beds  of  slumber,  as  new-born  babes,  fitted  to  begin  our 
labors  in  the  new  creation.  And  to  behold  more  beauti- 
ful than  heretofore  (because  of  a  preparation  to  admire 
and  adore  Him)  the  wondrous  works  of  an  Almighty 
Po\ver.  Oh !  ni}^  soul,  search  and  examine  well,  ere 
thou  answers,  search  and  know  the  truth  ;  hast  thou  not 
slackened  thy  speed  of  late,  and  have  not  th}-  senses 
became    less    keen  ?      Hast    thou  been   poured  out  like 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  75 

wine,  for  thy  fellow  probationers,  or,  like  Hphraim,  hast 
thou  "  settled  upon  the  lees  ?"  Hast  thou  not  been 
resting  secure  and  at  ease  in  thy  ceiled  house,  while  the 
House  of  God  is  Ijang  desolate  and  waste  ;  and  all  this 
lukewarmness  and  slothfulness,  even  after  th}^  many 
covenants,  and  the  merc}^  and  loving  kindness  of  which 
thou  hast  bountifull}'  partaken  ?  Arise  now  from  thy 
lethargy,  renew  thy  energies,  and  put  on  thy  armor,  and 
go  forth  in  the  name  of  the  Lord,  for  the  time  is  short, 
and  the  labor  is  pressing  !  How  swiftly  the  years  roll 
around  !  A  few  more  and  thou  shalt  pass  into  Eternit}^ 
— if  thy  work  is  finished,  into  a  happy  Eternity,  if  not, 
awful  the  reflection  !  Oh  !  that  I  mav  put  on  strength, 
and  be  renewed  for  toil  ;  spreading  ni}-  tent  in  the  Val- 
ley ;  and  there  dwelling  with  Him,  whose  abiding  place 
is  in  the  hearts  of  those  who  have  become  temples  fit  for 
the  ''  Holy  Ghost  to  dwell  in."  There  is  the  only  safe 
dwelling-place,  and  there,  too,  is  refreshment  known, 
for  the  gentle  dews  and  celestial  showers,  descend  upon 
the  green  pastures,  and  enlarge  the  quiet  streams. 

Twelfth  Month  31st,  1857. — This  evening  closes 
another  year ;  bright,  calm  and  serene.  There  is  a  sol- 
emn silence  within  doors  and  without — a  fit  season  for 
meditation  !  Since  this  time  one  year  ago,  how  many 
dear  to  me  in  life,  have  passed  away — their  removal 
leaving  a  void  not  to  be  again  filled — among  these,  dear 
N.  P.  Thou  wast  most  beloved,  my  more  than  sister ; 
m3'  bosom  friend,  to  whom  my  soul  was  knit  by  an  in- 
dissoluble tie,  to  whom  I  poured  out,  fearlessly,  all  my 


76  Life  and  Letters  of 

heart's  joys  and  sorrows  !  And  now,  there  is  no  one 
left  to  whom  I  can  so  freely  speak,  sure  of  being  under- 
stood ;  my  sorrows  must  be  locked  up  in  a  casket,  undis- 
turbed. Art  thou  far  awa}^  dear  friend  ?  No,  our  affec- 
tion cannot  be  dissolved  ;  death  surely  could  not  have 
power  over  unchanging  and  unchangeable  love.  May  I 
not  follow  thee  to  the  Spirit  world,  and  behold  thee  ar- 
rayed in  glorious  robes,  one  of  the  beauteous  throng 
surrounding  the  Throne  of  Omnipotence  ?  Oh  !  that  I 
may  join  thee  there,  when  I  shall  have  filled  up  the 
measure  of  m^-  da\'s  ;  there  may  we  be  reunited,  to  know 
parting  and  sorrow^  no  more.  As  we  have  worshipped, 
prayed  and  praised  together  here^  so  let  us  there,  in  the 
presence  of  the  King,  join  in  songs  of  praise  forever. 

Father,  prepare  me  to  bear  the  portion  of  trial  yet 
to  be  meted  out  to  me,  with  patience  and  resignation. 
"Hitherto  hath  the  Lord  helped"  me,  in  great  straits 
and  close  conflicts.  Oh  !  bring  me  more  and  more  into 
the  true  quietness ;  for,  in  the  world  there  are  strife, 
noise  and  confusion,  but  in  thy  presence,  peace.  Oh, 
Father !  keep  my  dear  children  so  in  the  innocency, 
that  they  may  receive  thy  holy  anointing  oil,  so  that 
their  eyes  may  be  anointed  to  see  the  glories  of  thy 
Kingdom,  and  the  loveliness  of  the  Truth  ;  for  the  Truth 
needs  advocates.  Many  are  running  into  theory  and 
speculation  ;  climbing  up  into  the  tree  of  knowledge  to 
become  wise  above  that  which  is  written  ;  when  the 
heart  is  not  established  in  God's  love,  the  creature  is 
exalted  instead  of  the  Creator.     Oh,  my  soul !   thou  art 


Mary  S.  Lippincott,  77 

settled  with  regard  to  doctrine,  and  satisfied  that  enough 
has  been  given  thee  for  th_y  daj-'s  work  ;  thou  knowest 
that  Infinite  Wisdom  unfolds  his  truths  to  dedicated 
minds,  that  to  these  He  gives  the  ke}-  to  open,  when 
none  can  shut. 

First  Month  ist,  1853. — A  new  daj^,  a  new  year,  has 
unfolded  itself  in  the  brightness  and  beauty  of  a  mild 
winter  morning.  It  is  an  auspicious  morning ;  and  I 
feel  that  I  have  blessings  to  enumerate,  many  and  boun- 
tiful ;  temporal  blessings  not  a  few,  as  well  as  spiritual, 
when  ni}'  heart  is  spread  out  before  the  Lord  to  receive 
them.  He  withholds  ''  no  good  thing"  from  those  that 
love  Him.  Many  have  been  the  trials  and  tossings  that 
have  beset  my  pilgrimage  path  ;  into  many  straits  have 
I  been  brought,  but  the  Lord  never  forsook  me,  but  de- 
livered me  out  of  them  all.  He  has  borne  with  all  my 
weaknesses  through  life,  has  thrown  his  mantle  of  love 
over  me  to  cover  them  ;  and  still  sheds  abroad  his  glorious 
light,  to  enlighten  my  pathwa}^  to  the  haven  of  rest.  I 
have  abundant  cause  to  bless  and  magnify  his  great 
name  forever.  In  adversity,  in  loneliness,  in  youth,  in 
temptations  on  every  side,  thou.  Lord,  wast  by  my  side, 
though  I  knew  it  not ;  Thou  wast  on  ni}-  right  hand,  to 
sustain  from  falling  into  perdition.  In  childhood,  when 
sorrow  melted  my  heart  because  my  dear  mother  was 
sorely  afflicted,  and  my  mind  shared  in  her  grief,  then 
did  thy  love  and  tenderness  contrite  me,  even  to  tears, 
I  knew  not  why  ;  not  only  for  my  fellow-mortals,  but  for 
the  poor,  dumb  beasts,  did  I  pour  forth   my  sympathy,  if 


78  Life  and  Letters  of 

any  were  suffering  or  in  want.  Mysterious  to  the  mind 
are  thy  workings  in  the  deeps,  to  form  the  soul  to  th}' 
liking,  and  to  mould  it  for  future  use  ;  but,  if  the  material 
is  there,  and  passive,  as  "  clay  in  the  hands  of  the  potter," 
however  rough  and  unpliable  at  first.  Thou  canst  fashion 
it  in  thy  way  and  time,  and  prepare  it  to  endure  the 
furnace,  without  receiving  crack  or  flaw.  Not  only  me, 
O  Father !  but  Oh,  remember  my  children,  and  let  thy 
hand  press  upon  them  to  break  them  to  pieces,  and  then 
form  them  anew,  and  anoint  them  for  service  in  thy 
church.  It  is  not  too  soon  for  them  to  begin  to  be  en- 
gaged in  their  social  and  religious  duties,  for  we  have, 
at  best,  little  time  in  which  to  finish  these.  How  it 
pains  my  heart  to  see  the  young,  and  those  just  passing 
from  youth,  trifling  away  their  precious  time  in  light 
reading  and  light  conversation,  so  much  as  to  encroach 
upon  hours  that  should  be  given  to  devotion,  and  to  mak- 
ing the  inquiry,  ''  Lord,  what  wilt  Thou  have  me  do," 
that  I  ma}'  serve  Thee  in  time,  and  enjoy  Thee  through 
the  endless  ages  of  eternit}^  ?  In  childhood  I  will  seek 
Thee;  in  manhood  (womanhood)  I  will  serve  Thee,  work- 
ing in  the  garden  of  my  own  heart,  and  in  the  \ineyard, 
as  Thou  appointest  me,  that  I  insure  the  reception  of  the 
blessed  "  penny  "  at  the  close.  Oh  !  that  this  resolution 
might  obtain  with  the  rational  family  of  man  ;  then  how 
much  more  would  this  earth  resemble  a  paradise,  and  the 
inhabitants  thereof,  the  saints  in  Heaven.  If  the  children 
of  Friends,  favored  as  they  are,  do  trample  under  foot 
our  testimonies,  as  things  of  naught,  the  time  will  assur- 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  79 

edly  come,  when  ''  strangers  shall  feed  [our]  flocks,  and 
the  sons  of  the  alien  shall  be  [our]  vine-dressers."  My 
soul  mourns  to  see  our  testimony  to  plainness  of  address 
so  violated  I  Offending  in  one  part  of  our  law  (Discipline) 
we  are  offenders,  and  shall  never  prosper  in  supporting 
the  work  of  the  testimony  of  Truth.  "  Be  ye  clean  that 
bear  the  vessels  of  the  Lord."  We  may  slip,  through 
unwatchfulness,  and  find  repentance  and  forgiveness  ;  but 
if  we  knowingly  violate  our  Discipline,  we  are  incon- 
sistent members,  professing  more  than  we  possess  ;  and 
thus  we  become  a  by-word  to  honest-hearted  Christians, 
who  are  not  of  our  fold. 

No  people  have  been  more  highly  favored  and  blessed 
than  Friends  ;  no  religious  teaching  is  better  fitted  than 
theirs  to  advance  the  Redeemer's  kingdom,  which  brings 
peace  on  earth  and  "good  will  toward  men." 

How  great,  therefore,  is  the  pity  that  we  should  be 
trammelled  by  inconsistency — lame  and  halt,  instead  of 
firmly  supporting  the  banner  of  Truth,  and  marching 
foremost  in  the  ranks. 

Second  Month  9th,  1858. — At  half-past  five  o'olock, 
p.  M.,  my  beloved  husband,  my  trusted  companion,  quietly 
passed  away,  after  much  suffering,  to  a  blessed  and  happy 
eternity.  He  was  aged  seventy-two  years  and  nearly  six 
months. 

Oh,  how  it  sustained  us  in  the  hour  of  bereavement 
to  know  that  his  work  was  done ;  that  his  mind  had  been 
gathered  and  centered,  trusting  in  the  hand  of  the  Al- 


80  Life  and  Letters  of 

niight}^  to  conduct  him,  through  sickness  and  death,  to 
his  home  in  Heaven, 

He  lived  and  died  a  Christian — much  devoted  to  his 
Master's  cause.  I  asked  that  his  mantle  of  deliberation 
and  quiet  might  descend  upon  me,  a  lonely  widow,  that 
I  might  be  guarded  on  ever}'  hand,  to  journey  on  my 
way  alone. 

Fifth  Month  i6th,  1858. — Sad  and  solitary,  in  my 
lonely  chamber,  do  I  sit  down  to  read  over  the  last  lines 
written  in  this  book.  Sad  and  solitar}',  for  I  feel,  what 
is  all  the  world  to  me  now,  without  my  dear  partner  ? 
In  every  place  there  is  a  void  ;  but  Jie  is  at  rest.  If  spirits 
can  watch  over  the  inhabitants  of  this  earth,  surely  his 
spirit  will  watch  over  me  and  mine. 

How  swiftly  time  passes  by ;  one  week  ago  I  was 
preparing  for  Yearly  Meeting.  Now  it  is  over,  and  Friends 
dispersed.  I  look  back  with  satisfaction  to  the  freedom 
and  harmonious  feeling  that  prevailed.  But  Oh,  for  more 
heartfelt  concern  !  Silence  and  self-denial  are  greatly 
wanting.  Were  there  not  those  present  who  would  ''  sell 
doves  ?  "  The  dove-like  nature  cannot  be  sold  for  honor, 
nor  for  any  other  price,  by  man  or  woman.  The  Father 
gives  it ;  and  its  descending  must  be  as  it  was  upon  the 
Holy  Jesus — the  "  Spirit  of  God  descended  as  a  dove,  and 
rested  upon  Him."  I  fear  ministers  forget  sometimes, 
that  the  first  dut}-^  is  to  love  God^  that  by  this  redeeming 
love,  we  be  constrained  to  love  one  another,  and  in  love 
to  reprove  the  evil-doer. 

vSixth  Month  23rd,  1858. — This  day  I  am  fifty-seven 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  81 

years  old.  My  thoughts  3'esterda3'  and  last  night,  were 
turned  back  to  3'ears  gone  b}^ ;  to  ni}^  dear  mother  and 
her  trials  and  privations,  during  ni}^  infancy  and  child- 
hood ;  the  good  Shepherd  who  careth  for  his  flocks,  pre- 
pared for  her,  better  daj^s  and  happier  times  ;  she  was 
able  to  bring  up  and  educate  her  children,  and  for  man}' 
years  was  spared  to  see  them  comfortabl}-  settled  in  life, 
and  engaged  in  useful  and  honorable  callings.  She 
spent  her  time  pleasanth'  among  them  and  her  grand- 
children ;  and  as  she  advanced  in  years,  was  so  situated 
as  to  be  able  to  retire  from  labor,  resting,  and  waiting 
her  appointed  time  to  depart.  She  calmly  passed  away 
in  a  good  old  age  ;  but  she  passed  not  awa}-  from  my 
affectionate  remembrance ;  her  countenance  is  vividly 
before  me,  and  I  need  not  any  semblance  to  tell  me  how 
she  looked.  Dear  to  me  was  she  to  the  close  ;  and  I 
feel  not  yet  severed  from  her,  though  she  is  unseen  by 
my  outward  eye. 

Eighth  Month  6th. — Again  has  the  Angel  of  Death 
broken  the  tie  that  most  closel}^  bound  me  to  life  ;  yes, 
more  closely  than  all  else !  Six  months  to-day,  did  my 
beloved  partner  close  his  earthly  pilgrimage  ;  and  I  am 
left  to  plod  on  my  weary,  loneh^  wa3^ 

Who  can  participate  in  ni}-  sorrow,  for  the  young 
have  their  delights  ?  Oh  !  the  widow  onl}'  knows  the 
widow's  grief.  A  companion  in  every  way  is  nearly 
one's  own  self;  and  when  such  a  one  is  taken,  the  bereaved 
one  is  surely  stricken.  Thou,  Lord,  carest  for,  and  canst 
sustain  me  ;  to  Thee  only  can  I  look  !     There  is  none 


82  Life  and  Letters  of 

else  ill  Heaven  nor  on  earth  to  call  upon  ;  for  I  feel  as 
one  alone,  and  desire  none  but  Thee  to  be  my  stay  and 
staff.  Keep  me  in  the  littleness  ;  and,  Oh  !  enable  me 
to  get  through  the  world  honorably,  that  the  Truth  may 
not  suffer,  and  that  my  peace  may  be  secure. 

Remember  ni}^  dear  children,  and  stain  the  glory  of 
this  world  in  their  view,  that  they  may  come  to  love  the 
Truth,  and  the  simplicity  into  which  it  leads.  Thou 
knowest,  O  Father !  my  heartfelt  pain,  because  the 
testimonies  dear  to  me  as  m\'  own  life,  are  so  lightly 
esteemed,  and  so  lightly  spoken  of. 

P'irst  Month  ist,  1859. — Last  night  closed  the  sad- 
dest year  of  my  life.  This  morning  has  found  me  still 
dwelling  on  the  departed,  and  following  to  the  Spirit 
world  the  host  of  dear  ones,  who  were  once  lovely  in  the 
bod}',  and  who  are  now  saints  in  Heaven.  How  the 
cords  that  bind  to  earth  are  severed,  as  our  friends  and 
kindred  depart.  Though  lovely  the  succeeding  genera- 
tion, as  they  come  upon  the  stage  of  action  ;  though  we 
can  pleasantly  mingle  with  them  in  social  intercourse, 
yet  we  have  passed  from  the  season  when  their  pleasures 
were  ours  ;  from  the  friends  who  were  our  contemporaries 
— who  felt  as  we  felt,  whose  tastes  and  inclinations  were 
in  accordance  with  our  own.  It  is  wisely  ordered  to  be 
so,  that  we  may  prepare  for  the  evening  of  life,  to  retire 
ill  quietude  to  await  our  approaching  change.  The 
hurry  and  bustle  of  life  over,  the  children  reared,  and 
prepared  to  act  on  their  own  behalf,  it  is  our  rightful 
privilege  to  become  more  and   more  lookers  on  and  ad- 


Mary  S.  Lippincott,  83 

visers,  than  eiiery-etic  laborers  in  business.  And  fast 
approaching  the  end  of  time,  to  dwell  more  upon  eternity 
and  the  things  connected  with  the  Eternal  world,  and 
the  joys  to  be  entered  upon,  when  this  life  is  swallowed 
up  in  death,  and  the  captive  soul  is  liberated  from  the 
shackles  of  mortality.  My  dear,  beloved  partner,  to  me 
a  husband  and  a  father,  thou  art  no  more  my  spiritual 
adviser,  and  my  temporal  help-meet ;  thou  hast  left  me  to 
bear  the  conflicts  of  life  alone,  and  unsheltered  by  thy 
presence  !  By  my  side  I  iind  thee  not,  when  tossed  and 
tried,  and  I  look  around  for  a  consoler  and  a  friend.  I 
retire  alone  and  weep,  and  pour  forth  my  plaints  to  Him 
who  seeth  in  secret,  and  counteth  the  widow's  tears, 
having  compassion  on  her.  Sometimes  it  seems  as 
though  the  "brass"  of  "Heaven"  and  the  "iron  bars" 
of  "  earth,"  prevented  the  penetration  of  sighs  ;  then 
again  the  outstretched  arms  of  Omnipotence,  invite  my 
approach  to  Him  for  sustenance  and  shelter.  O  Father ! 
keep  me  in  this  hour  of  affliction  deep  and  proving, 
when  thus  severed  in  my  affections  from  a  being  so  near 
and  dear ;  near  and  dear  because  of  human  ties,  and 
doubly  so  from  the  precious  spirit  that  dwelt  in  him  and 
kept  him  in  the  Christian's  path  !  He  is  at  rest ;  the 
grave  holds  the  body,  lonely  and  beloved,  but  the  spirit 
is  not  there.  vShall  my  thoughts  continue  to  hover 
around  the  narrow  house,  and  penetrate  into  the  dark- 
ness of  the  tomb,  to  see  the  lifeless  body  in  its  repose  ? 
For  a  time  may  not  this  be  permitted  ?  Gradually  the 
thoughts  must  ascend  with  the  part  that  lives  forever, 


84  Life  arid  Letters  of 

and  must  dwell  upon  the  J03'S  that  are  partaken  of  in 
Heaven,  and  that  have  no  end.  There  must  they  center, 
for  there  is  the  Christian's  hope,  and  expectation,  and 
perfection.  Father,  strengthen  me,  that  there  may 
terminate  my  highest  wish !  In  the  outward,  clouds, 
and  storm,  and  rain,  cover  the  earth  with  dullness  and 
shade — a  likeness  of  ni}^  inward  state.  Before  the  ap- 
proach of  evening,  the  sun  ma}^  stretch  himself  forth, 
and  shine  brightl}^  dispelling  the  clouds  and  darkness 
that  surround  him,  and  shedding  a  radiance  on  all 
below  ;  then  ma}-  the  spirits  arise  and  gratitude  ascend, 
with  thanksgiving  and  praise,  from  the  altar  of  niau}^  a 
heart,  not  even  mine  excepted. 

Third  Month  27tli,  1859. — Lonel}^  and  alone,  this 
loveh'  spring  da}^,  I  sit  and  think  on  the  past  pleasures 
of  life. 

What  is  life  ?  A  little  while  and  it  ends.  The  grave 
takes  that  that  was  animated  and  busy,  because  endowed 
with  life  ;  but  it  has  to  be  buried  out  of  sight,  becavise 
there  is  breath  no  longer.     Alas  !   what  are  we  ? 

"  An  angel's  arm  can't  snatch  me  from  the  grave, 
Legions  of  angels  can't  confine  me  there." 

Tenth  Month  3rd,  1859. — Entering  again  the  sphere 
of  duty,  as  the  head  of  an  Educational  Institution,  O 
may  the  arm  of  an  Almight}^  Being  sustain  me ! 

Sixth  Month  23rd,  i860. — This  day  consummates 
fifty-nine  years  of  my  earthly  pilgrimage  ;  during  this 
period  many  have  been  the  vicissitudes,  the  bereave- 
ments, the   trials ;  yet   in   all   and  through   all,  so  far. 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  85 

have  I  been  sustained ;  and  can  bless  ni}^  God  that  He 
has  been  with  me  through  "  ups  and  downs,"  and  has 
made  my  way  each  succeeding  year  more  pleasant  and 
happy,  because  increasingly  confirmed  in  the  feeling 
that  life  is  a  blessing — that  man,  to  be  trul}^  happy  in 
this  world  and  in  that  to  come,  must  comply  with  the 
terms  offered,  even  obedience  to  the  Spirit  of  Truth  in 
his  own  soul.  A  spirit  sufficient  to  teach,  to  guide,  and 
to  open  the  understanding  to  receive  all  truth,  both 
immediately  and  instrumentally,  and  to  reveal  the  Fa- 
ther and  the  Son,  whom  to  know  is  Life  Eternal.  And 
this  Spirit  is  the  Light,  the  Life,  and  the  Power  (it  is 
called  by  various  names)  ;  it  is  the  dawning  of  the  day 
of  the  Lord  ;  and  whoever  dwells  in  the  light,  keeping  a 
single  eye  to  it,  will  receive  the  "  child  born,"  the  "  son 
given,"  who  is  the  Saviour  and  the  Redeemer  of  the 
world.  I  am  as  fully  comfirmed  in  this  view,  as  I  am 
that  the  sun  shines  in  the  fullness  of  his  glory,  shedding 
his  beams  upon  the  earth  to  sustain  life,  and  to  cause 
vegetation  to  come  forth  in  its  season  for  the  sustenance 
of  the  animal  kingdom.  Clouds  may  obscure  the  out- 
ward, sun  at  seasons,  but  they  do  not  diminish  his  luster  ; 
so  sin  may  obscure  the  Divine  Presence  from  our  finite 
view,  but  it  cannot  change  the  nature  of  Him  who  is 
"  light,"  and  in  Avhom  is  ''  no  darkness  at  all."  Oh  ! 
my  soul,  cling  thou  more  and  more  to  Him,  and  hence- 
forward let  "obedience  keep  pace  with  knowledge," — then 
will  all  thy  seasons  of  ''  darkness  be  turned  into  noon- 
day ;"   and  thy  God  will  be  to  thee,  in  the  decline  of  life, 


86  Life  and  Letters  of 

as  a  "  morning  without  clouds,"  and  will  cause  thy  "  sun 
to  go  down  in  brightness."  For  thou.  Lord,  hast  been 
very  good  to  me ;  Thou  hast  always  been  my  Friend 
and  Father.  I  have  had  none  to  look  to  but  Thee  ;  Oh  ! 
be  Thou  with  me,  and  keep  me  unto  my  life's  end. 

Tenth  Month  7th,  i860. — Returned,  last  evening, 
from  a  neighboring  Quarterly  Meeting,  pained  at  heart 
from  the  position  of  Friends.  Oh  !  how  these  are  lifted 
up  in  an  imagination  that  our  own  works  will  be  "  work- 
ing the  works  of  God."  Where  is  the  clearness  of  vision 
to  see  that  there  is  but  one  place  for  Israel,  and  that  is 
to  dwell  alone,  with  their  minds  spread  in  the  valley 
before  God,  and  not  spread  in  their  imaginations,  on  the 
heights  around  about.  Oh  !  they  cannot  see  or  under- 
stand, methinks  ;  the}"  will  not  see  that  there  must  be 
spiritual  harmony,  and  spiritual  unity ;  nothing  else 
will  do.  Ah  !  it  is  surely  now  as  in  the  days  of  Ahab, 
the  many  are  believed,  and  Micajah  rejected,  proscribed 
and  denounced  ;  yea,  imprisoned  to  be  fed  on  the  bread 
and  water  of  affliction  ;  but  undoubtedly  his  prophecy 
will  be  fulfilled  ;  for  God  has  not  changed,  neither  has 
He  changed  his  law  in  regard  to  this  people,  called 
Quakers. 

Sixth  Month  23rd,  1861. — This  day  I  am  sixty 
years  old.  Yesterday  I  began  to  reflect  upon  passing 
time  and  events,  calling  up  before  my  mental  vision,  a 
host  of  dear  departed  friends  and  relatives  ;  and  especially 
a  dear  and  honored  mother  who  gave  me  birth,  and 
nurtured  me   in    my  infancy  and    youth.     M}^  spirit  is 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  ^7 

closely  bound  to  hers,  and  my  love  knows  no  abatement, 
though  fourteen  lonely  years  (lacking  a  few  da3^s)  have 
rolled  over  my  head,  since  she  passed  out  of  this  life. 
But  thou  art  at  rest,  dear  mothe;r  ;  and  many  dear  to  thee 
and  dear  to  me,  have  followed  thee  across  the  River  of 
Death — amongst  them,  thj-  ever-kind  son,  my  beloved 
husband,  who  has  left  me  to  tread  alone  a  rugged  path  ! 
Well !  the  Lord  willed  it  so,  and  I  have  tried  to  submit,  and 
say,  "Thy  will  be  done/'  O  mother!  art  thou  conscious 
of  my  sighs  and  tears,  as  I  view  the  world  in  its  faded 
aspect — faded  in  my  view  ;  for,  in  reality,  it  is  in  its 
pristine  beauty  ;  but  I,  having  become  a  lone  pilgrim, 
living  in  the  midst  of  a  new,  a  young  and  buoyant  gen- 
eration, have  had  my  view  extended  be^^ond  this  transi- 
tory scene.  And,  Oh  !  hadst  thou  lived  to  have  beheld 
the  desolation  by  war  threatening  our  land,  causing 
the  hard  earnings  of  thy  dear  son  and  th}-  grandsons,  to 
be  wrested  from  them,  how  low  thou  would  have  been 
bowed  under  the  weight  of  sorrow  !  Happy  was  it  that 
thou  was  spared  all  this  painful  experience,  taken  away, 
as  it  were,  from  the  evil  to  come  ! 

Yet  there  is  wisdom  in  all  God's  purposes ;  and 
may  wx  learn  wisdom  through  strippings,  whether  these 
be  of  kindred  ties,  of  loving  friends,  or  of  property — and 
be  the  better  prepared  to  enjoj^  that  felicity  which  is  not 
derived  from  earth,  but  from  Heaven  alone! 

Long  has  been  my  pilgrimage  journey,  though  "  few 
and  evil"  may  have  "  been  the  days  of  my  life  ;"  having 
had   a   large  portion   of  happiness,  as   well   as    my   hiW 


88^  Life  and  Letters  of 

share  of  deep  sorrow.  But,  the  Lord  Almighty  has 
never  forsaken  me,  and  in  Him  do  I  trust,  looking  unto 
Him  to  lead  me  onward  and  upward,  till  the  life  of  the 
body  is  swallowed  up  in  death,  and  the  soul  iishered 
into  a  new  existence.  In  these  troublous  times,  the 
future,  as  to  the  outward,  is  veiled  from  view ;  none  can 
reveal  it  but  God  alone  by  his  "  Light"  within. 

Third  Month  ist,  1863. — My  mind,  through  the 
night,  and  renewedly  to-day,  has  been  afresh  convinced 
that  whoever  abides  in  God,  knows  his  protecting  and 
preserving  power  to  encircle  him  on  every  side,  keeping 
him  secure  from  his  enemies  ;  and  I  was  engaged  in 
prayer  for  my  poor  soul,  that  those  Heavenly  surround- 
ings may  be  mine,  whereby  nothing  shall  ever  overcome 
me,  or  draw  me  away  from  the  light,  life,  and  power  of 
God.  Oh  !  that  everything  of  an  earthly  nature  in  me, 
may  give  way  before  the  arisings  of  the  "Sun  of  Right- 
eousness ;"  that  my  affections  may  be  placed  on  things 
above,  and  a  greater  willingness  be  wrought  in  me  to 
obey  the  will  of  my  Heavenly  Father,  in  all  things, 
even  in  promoting  "  peace  "  on  earth  and  ''goodwill" 
to  men. 

As  now  surrounded,  I  am  like  a  peut-up  prisoner. 
O  the  weight  of  care  and  responsibility  that  rests  upon 
me  ;  sources  of  sore  trial,  known  only  to  myself  and  my 
God  !  But  in  the  midst  of  all  the  turnings  and  the  over- 
turnings,  the  predominant  feeling  of  mj^  heart  has  been, 
"Thy  will  be  done!" 

Third  Month   2nd. — My  feelings  have  been  solemn 


Mary  S.  Lippiqcott.  89 

and  retired  for  a  few  daws  and  nights  past,  and  renewed 
desires  have  been  awakened  that  I  might  become  wholly 
weaned  from  the  world,  and  from  looking  to  the  things 
thereof,  as  affording  an}'  certain  enjoyment.  There  is 
little  to  attract  a  mind  pressed  with  care,  and  strug- 
gling with  adversit}'.  The  bnoyancy  of  spirits  that 
used  to  be  mine,  return  no  more.  The  heart  is  pressed 
with  a  burden  of  responsibility  without  any  earthly 
hand  to  remove  it.  Therefore,  trusting  in  God,  I  must 
pursue  ni}'  journey,  hoping  that  the  Truth  may  never 
be  dishonored  b}-  me  ;  but  that  I  may  make  an  honest 
livelihood  for  myself  and  mine,  and  honorably  discharge 
the  trust  reposed  in  me  b}^  my  departed  husband. 

Twelfth  Month  31st,  1864. — With  the  close  of  this 
day  terminates  the  year  1864.  The  outer  world,  as  far 
as  the  eye  can  take  cognizance  of  objects,  is  mantled  in 
spotless  white — an  emblem  of  purity  and  innocence. 
May  our  spirits  be  so  robed,  as  the  A^ear  passes  out  of 
existence,  and  so  welcome  in  the  succeeding  one,  that 
its  beginnings,  to  us,  may  be  favorable  to  lives  of  piety 
and  devotion.  The  da}-  is  calm  and  quiet,  as  though  it 
were  the  closing  scene  of  some  auspicious  event.  And 
is  it  so  ?  To  many  it  is,  no  doubt,  as  they  are  about  to 
bid  adieu  to  all  transitory  things,  and  enter  into  another 
state  of  existence.  To  those  who  have  their  loins  girt 
about,  and  their  rod  and  staff  in  readiness,  such  is  a 
glorious  and  happy  period  ;  for,  putting  off  mortality, 
the}'  la}'  aside  the  pains  and  conflicts  attendant  thereon  ; 
while  putting  on  a  happy  immortality,  they  enter  into 


90  Life  and  Letters  of 

''joy  unspeakable  and  full  of  glory."  How  great  and 
varied  have  been  the  changes,  since  the  beginning  of 
the  year  just  expiring!  In  the  family  circle,  in  Society, 
in  neighborhoods,  in  the  world  at  large  !  Could  a  his- 
tory be  furnished  us,  written  by  the  pens  of  thousands, 
each  giving  in  the  line  of  his  own  experience,  it  seems 
to  me,  a  Fountain  of  tears,  seeking  vent,  would  burst 
forth  from  eyes  unwont  to  weep,  and  sighs  would  heave 
from  hearts  unapt  to  feel.  How  many  have  passed 
through  the  chambers  of  death  to  the  cold  and  silent 
grave!  Stalwart  men,  the  bone  and  sinew  of  our  coun- 
try— the  hub  and  spoke  of  the  wheel  of  commerce,  of 
the  loom,  of  agriculture,  and  of  the  various  arts  and 
sciences.  Young  men,  the  pride  and  promise  of  their 
parents'  expectations,  either  mowed  down  in  the  field  of 
battle,  or  wasted  by  some  enfeebling  pestilence  ;  or,  too 
horrible  to  relate,  starved  in  noisome  prisons,  before  the 
eyes  of  cruel  and  hard-hearted  beings  in  human  form. 
And  not  a  few  of  the  aged  patriarchs,  who  seemed  to 
have  belonged  to  a  generation  gone  before  ;  the  loving 
and  gentle  wife ;  the  mother  and  the  infant  in  arms  ; 
the  little  prattler ;  yes,  a  great  host,  pursuing  their 
journey  through  time,  have  been  arrested  in  their  course, 
and  taken  from  this  state  of  being.  Many  are  the 
mourners,  up  and  down  in  the  land  !  And  is  not  the 
feeling  with  these,  '*  Attempt  not  to  comfort  me  ;  I  will 
go  mourning  all  my  days,  until  my  gray  hairs  are 
brought  down,  with  sorrow,  to  the  grave?"  Yet  this 
sore  mourning  need  not  be,  save  on  behalf  of  those  who 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  Ql 

have  come  to  a  premature  end.  They  who  have  pursued 
a  steady,  straightforward  course,  who  have  followed  their 
Holy  Leader  in  the  way  of  uprightness  ;  they  whom  He 
has  lifted  into  life,  and  let  them  fall  "just  in  the  niche 
they  were  ordained  to  fill,"  all  these  having  finished 
their  daj-'s  work  here,  are  taken  hence  in  fulfillment  of 
the  decree,  "  Dust  thou  art,  and  unto  dust  shalt  thou 
return,"  only  to  be  transplanted  into  a  happier  clime. 

1868. — Alone  as  to  the  outward,  and  stripped 

of  all  that  can  possibly  cheer  the  animal  spirits,  for 
there  is  a  void  that  nothing  can  fill,  no  earthl}^  object 
can  supply.  More  than  ten  and  a  half  3'ears  have  rolled 
around  since  my  beloved  partner  was  called  hence,  and 
released  from  the  shackles  of  mortality,  and  all  the  pains 
and  conflicts  of  life,  to  be  reinstated  in  his  presence 
who  spake  the  never-dying  soul  into  existence  by  the 
word  of  his  power !  Truly  there  is  no  other  separa- 
tion that  can  compare  with  that  of  husband  and  wife, 
who  are  joined  in  the  Lord — one  in  the  body  (in  afflic- 
tion) and  one  in  spirit.  Happy  might  we  conclude 
it  to  be,  according  to  our  human  calculation,  could  these 
beginning  at  the  time  of  their  marriage,  continue  and 
end  their  journey  together.  Yes,  go  hand  in  hand 
through  life,  and  hand  and  hand  in  their  passage  over 
that  river  that  lands  them  on  the  side  where  stands  the 
Celestial  City,  in  which  dwell  the  redeemed  of  the  Lord. 
But  that  great  God,  in  whose  hands  are  man's  destinies, 
has  willed  it  otherwise.  One  is  taken  and  another 
left,  and  sorrow  and  suffering,  and  man 3^  a  bitter  cup 


92  Life  and  Letters  of 

are  apportioned  to  the  survivor.  If  these  bereavements 
are  received  without  murmuring,  and  esteemed  as  good 
gifts,  they  will  be  refining  in  their  operation  ;  and  will 
fit  and  prepare  the  soul  to  cast  off  all  its  cares  and  sor- 
rows, as  filthy  garments,  in  order  to  receive  a  robe  that 
is  pure  and  spotless,  and  owned  as  the  "wedding  gar- 
ment," when  presented  at  the  marriage  chamber  of  the 
Lamb,  as  an  invited  guest.  My  partner,  thou  art  not, 
and  3^et,  thou  art  forever  an  angel  in  Heaven,  a  glori- 
fied spirit,  forming  one  of  that  innumerable  company, 
who  surround  the  Throne  of  the  Lord  God  and  of  the 
Lamb !  Oh  !  how  many  loved  ones  are  there,  my  equals 
in  age,  my  companions,  the  guardians  of  my  childhood 
and  youth,  the  comforters  of  after  years  ;  and  my  tender 
offspring ;  and  here  am  I,  bereft  indeed,  weary  and  care- 
worn, hastening  on  my  wa}-  to  the  close  !  Bound  to  time 
and  the  cares  of  this  world,  for  my  dear  children's  sake, 
and  perhaps,  also,  for  the  sake  of  the  church.  For, 
feeble  as  are  my  efforts,  the  prosperity  of  the  church, 
and  the  spread  of  the  ever-blessed  Truth,  are  dearer  to 
me  than  aught  else  in  this  world.  Oh  !  how  I  long  to 
see  the  loving  visitations  of  God  extended  to  my  own, 
and  other  dear  children,  that  they  may  be  seen  coming 
up  "  adorned  [as  a  bride]  for  her  husband  ;"  not  in  gay 
apparel,  according  to  the  fashions  of  a  vain  world,  but 
in  the  simplicity  produced  when  everything  is  formed 
according  to  the  pattern  shown  in  the  Mount. 

Through    life,  ever  since  very  j^oung,  the  care  of 
making  a  living  has  always  devolved  upon  me,  and  now, 


Mary  S,  Lippincott.  93 

probabl}',  always  will ;  though  I  have  ever  looked  for- 
ward with  hope  and  faith  that  rest  and  a  quiet  eveniug 
would  be  allotted  rue,  preceding  ni}^  departure  from  this 
changing  scene.  I  look  around  and  see  many  women 
who  are  exempt  from  such  care  ;  who  are  proxdded  for, 
and  can  use,  at  their  pleasure,  what  they  wish.  They 
have  time  to  devote  to  duties  at  or  from  home,  without 
seeming  to  be  sacrifices.  Why  it  is  thus,  has  to  be  left ; 
yes,  I  must  believe  it  is  wisely  ordered  for  some  good. 
I  seem  forced  into  business,  that  Truth  maj^  not  suffer 
on  account  of  au}^  failing  to  receive  their  due,  from 
losses  which  we  had  to  endure.  And  my  God  knows 
that  I  have  tried  to  labor  honestly  and  diligentl}^,  that 
everything  should  be  just  and  right.  And  yet,  truly, 
amidst  adversity,  disappointment,  in  many  a  strait,  a 
way  has  been  made  to  move  on,  beyond  any  human  cal- 
culation ;  but  it  has  been  the  "  strait  and  narrow  way," 
that  I  should  not  be  elated  by  prosperity,  nor  too  much 
cast  down  by  adversity.  It  must  be  that  the  Most  High 
has  interposed  when  prospects  were  flattering,  lest  I 
should  take  my  flight  on  the  Sabbath-day ;  and  re- 
moved obstacles,  when  these  were  too  great,  lest  in  the 
winter  season  I  might  be  off.  May  all  the  praise  be 
tmto  the  Lord,  if  I  hold  out  unto  the  end,  and  may  his 
name  be  exalted  in  the  earth  !  Oh  !  my  soul,  trust  thou 
still  in  God,  who  is  the  light  of  my  countenance  and 
my  help ! 

If  thou.  Lord,  wilt  give  me  bread  to  eat  and  raiment 
to  put  on,  and  wilt  be  with  me  in  the  way  I  should  go, 


94  Life  and  Letters-  of 

and  finally,  bring  me  home  in  peace,  I  will  serve  Thee 
with  all  the  might  and  strength  that  Thou  givest,  for  I 
have  none  of  my  own  !  Thou  knowest,  gracious  P'ather, 
that  this  is  my  petition  from  day  to  day,  and  from  year 
to  year,  and  has  been  since  early  3'outh  ;  and  yet,  how 
feebly  have  I  walked  and  worked,  and  how  little  good 
have  I  done  in  the  world  !  Oh  !  that  thou  niayst  be  near 
to  me  supporting  me  amidst  my  trials  and  sore  conflicts, 
which  are  deep  and  many  ;  and  enable  me  to  keep  my 
head  above  the  troubled  waters,  though  the  billows  roll 
and  threaten — for  all  forever  is  thine,  in  Heaven  above 
and  in  the  earth  beneath.  Ah  !  how  much  of  the  time 
I  have  to  wear  my  sackcloth  underneath,  that  my  coun- 
tenance may  not  be  the  index  to  a  heart  oppressed  with 
care.  May  all  these  things  refine  my  poor  soul  more 
and  more,  and  prepare  it  to  dwell  forever  in  that  Holy 
City  that  hath  a  sure  foundation,  whose  "  Builder  and 
Maker  is  God." 

"  In  thy  pavilion  there  is  peace  and  rest, 
Thy  saints  are  there,  and  are  forever  blest." 

First  Month  3rd,  1875. — A  beautiful  day  in  the 
outer  world,  the  trees  and  shrubs  being  covered  with 
sleet.  It  was  too  slippery  for  our  horse  to  take  me  to 
meeting,  and  dangerous  for  me  to  walk.  My  daughters 
went  on  foot. 

I  have  felt  sensible  that  the  Divine  Presence  is 
everywhere,  and  his  love  offered  to  every  son  and  daugh- 
ter of  Adam,  the  world  over. 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  95 

This  has  been  an  unusually  open  winter ;  so  that 
is  seems  as  if  a  gracious  Providence  has  favored  the 
mau}^  poor  and  destitute  in  various  parts  of  our  country. 

Last  Fifth-day  we  had  a  most  excellent  silent  meet- 
ing. It  seemed  as  if  the  Most  High  spread  his  wings 
of  love  and  mercy  over  us  all,  and  made  us  rejoice,  and 
give  adoration  and  praise  to  his  adorable  name.  O  such 
seasons  !  how  they  renew  our  faith  and  trust  in  Him  in 
whom  we  "  live,  move  and  have  our  being."  I  often 
feel  to  exclaim  in  spirit,  "  The  earth  is  full  of  the  glor}^ 
of  God."  He  is  not  afar  off,  but  nigh.  He  tabernacles 
in  man  and  fills  all  space. 

Sixth  Month  23rd,  1875. — I  am  seventy-four  years 

old  to-day.      Keep  me,  O  Father,  in  thy  love,  forever. 

Amen ! 

Mary  S.  Lippincott. 


96  Life  and  Letters  of 


CHAPTER    III. 

T.ETTERvS    TO    ONK    YOUNG    IN    THR    MINISTRY. 


PART    I 


A  letter  from  a  niece,  this  morning,  says  George 
and  Catharine  Truman  are  both  ill — the  former  very 
ill ;  she  also  speaks  of  the  illness  of  other  dear  friends, 
and  of  the  death  of  some.  But,  so  does  the  race  of  men 
pass  on  and  off  the  .stage  of  life.  When  one  is  ready 
and  waiting,  happy  and  glorious  must  be  the  exit  from 
a  world  of  change,  to  a  state  of  unchanging  felicity. 
Then,  the  sadness  to  us  who  mourn  the  loss,  rises  into 
joy  and  thanksgiving;  and  I  hope  that  we  may  be  able 
to  rejoice  in  the  end,  by  our  sun's  going  dowai  in  bright- 
ness, and  our  souls  arising  into  eternity. 

I  tenderly  sympathize  with  thee,  dear  A.,  in  thy 
varied  feelings.  A  diversified  path  is  the  poor  pilgrim's 
portion  on  his  way  to  the  Celestial  City.  If  he  has  not 
*' Bvangelist"  to  direct  him  and  give  him  a  "roll,"  he 
has  a  greater  in  his  own  soul — "  Christ  in  you,  the  hope 
of  glory  !"  The  Life,  Light,  Wisdom,  and  Power  ! 
Everything  to  be  as  armor  and  as  counseL  while  a  lone 


Mary  S.  Lippiqcott.  97 

traveler,  ofttimes  in  a  weary  land.     No,  not  alone  !      A 
Friend  is  near  to  urge  him  on  ! 


When  luy  "  tenl  dour  1  open  wide," 
I  hear  his  footsteps  at  my  side, 
And  hear  his  voice,  to  sweetly  say 
Fear  not ; — thy  drooping  mind  I'll  stay. 
Thy  God  is  near — no/  far  away  ! 

Abraham  was  proved,  not  in  displeasure,  but  for  the 
trial  of  his  allegiance.  See  how  he  was  blest  in  with- 
holding nothing !  All  given  up  !  This  is  what  we 
must  know.  Sa3ang,  ''  Here  am  I,  O  Lord,  do  with  me 
as  Thou  wilt  !  Then,  as  we  become  the  cla^-,  the  Potter 
can  do  his  work,  with  none  to  hinder!  He  forms  the 
vessels,  refines  them,  fills  them,  then  there  is  a  pouring 
out  for  use  !  How  wonderful  are  his  ways  and  his  works, 
all  in  wisdom,  for  our  greatest  good.  And  when  we  are 
ready  to  conclude  that  He  has  hidden  his  face  and  with- 
drawn himself,  He  is  not  far  off,  his  eye  is  open,  watch- 
ing us  as  a  loving  parent  watches  a  darling  child  ! 

Children  must  learn  to  work,  without  depending 
too  much  upon  the  parent  to  sustain  them  in  inactivity  ; 
so  they  have  to  be  stripped  at  seasons,  deeply  tried  and 
proved,  that  the}-  may  look  around  and  see  whether  or 
not  the}'-  have  occupied  their  strength  rightl}-.  ''  My 
Beloved  is  mine  and  I  am  his  ;"  as  much  when  sought 
and  no/  found,  as  when  He  is  seen,  and  his  face  is  comely 
with  smiles.  Be  of  good  cheer,  my  dear,  tried  one,  the 
Ivight  will  shine,  the  clouds  break  away  ! 


98  Life  and  Letters  of 

"In  quietness  and  confidence  shall  be  your  strength," 
is  addressed  sweetly  to  all  the  Lord's  children  in  every 
condition  of  life. 

For,  in  this  state,  even  the  doubting  and  troubled, 
as  was  Elijah,  hear  and  understand  that  the  threatening 
Temptest,  Earthquake  and  Fire,  cannot  destroy,  over- 
whelm, or  overturn,  for  God  is  not  in  them  !  They  are 
elementar}-,  changeable  ;  but,  in  the  still,  small  voice 
that  follows,  is  this  holy  calm,  this  quietness  and  confi- 
dence. (3h  !  how  strong  then,  to  wrap  the  "  face  in  the 
mantle,"  and  receive  the  counsel  of  God  ;  to  go  at  his  bid- 
ding, to  instruct  and  edify  his  people,  those  who  have 
"  not  bowed  the  knee  to  Baal,  or  kissed  his  image." 
"  Rejoice  evermore,  and  in  all  things,  give  thanks  ;" 
because  of  the  true  declaration,  fulfilled  in  the  Chris- 
tian's experience,  in  this  waiting  state, — 

"  God  is  coming,  God  is  nigh, 
Hear  ye,  God  is  passing  by  !" 

And  with  his  presence  comes  light,  peace,  and  a  "  cer- 
tain evidence  of  Divine  Truth."  The  soul  bows,  the 
will  is  subdued,  and  the  heart-language  is,  "Not  my 
will,  but  thine,  O  Father,  be  done  !"  In  this  passive, 
waiting  state,  He  reaches  forth  his  arm  of  love,  in  his 
own  time,  and  his  voice  is  heard,  saying,  "  Arise  and 
journey  on  !" 

In  the  Beginning,  it  was  many  days  (or  epochs), 
ere  the  elements  were  brought  together,  and  the  right 
arrangement  made,   and   the  growth   for  the  support  of 


Mary  S,  Lippiqcott.  99 

life.  Lo,  ill  the  new  ereatioii,  out  of  chaos  comes  forth 
order,  life,  food,  raiment,  and  ability  to  labor,  nnder  Di- 
vine guidance,  and  in  the  lig'lit.  The  night  for  repose, 
the  day  for  labor  !  The  analogy  between  the  outward 
and  the  inward  is  very  striking.  All  the  commotions, 
doubts,  fears,  and  whatever  else  has  been  thy  experience, 
dear  child,  has  been  the  experience  of  those  who  have 
trodden  the  wa}^  of  the  cro»s  before  thee.  All  these  have 
been  allured  into  the  wilderness,  to  be  drawn  away  from 
all  the  glitter  and  vaiiit}-  shining  so  enticingly  in  the 
open  day  ;  there  hath  He  ''  spoken  comfortably"  unto 
them  ;  and,  staining  the  beaut}^  of  the  hrst,  they  have 
become  enamored  of  the  second,  the  invisible  glor}-  and 
beauty  not  to  be  seen  b}'  the  outward  eye. 

For  the  elect's  sake,  these  days  of  suffering  and 
anguish  of  spirit,  are  shortened,  when  the  work  of 
preparation  is  effected,  then  it  is  enough.  Wash  me, 
make  me  clean;  ''purge  me  with  hyssop,"  and  ''  I  shall 
be  whiter  than  snow  ;"  pure  within,  holy  ;  in  accordance 
with  the  injunction,  "  Be  ye  clean  that  bear  the  vessels 
of  the  Lord."  I  had,  in  1113'  exercises  of  spirit,  to  tread 
the  loneliness  of  my  way,  though  I  had  counselors,  by 
letter,  who  had  entered  into  my  condition,  and  their 
words  were  as  the  gentl}-  distilling  dew,  and  refreshing 
rain. 

Our  Father  raises  up  servants  to  lead  and  instruct, 
as  He  did  Moses  to  Israel.  "  Bear  ye  one  another's  bur- 
dens," and  "be  ye  one  another's  helpers  in  the  Lord." 
Help  to  cleanse,  prepare  and  strengthen  those  whom  the 


100  Life  and  Letters  of 

Lord  has  chosen  for  his  disciples.  But  the  Master  must 
sejid  them^  aud  show,  them  where,  when,  and  what  to 
speak  ;  must  give  them  their  "  Urim  and  Thummim," 
and  be  to  them  "  mouth  and  wisdom,  tongue  and  utter- 
ance." 

Many  things  pass  through  the  mind  ;  all  these  must 
give  place  to  the  Master,  who  brings  a  solemn  quiet,  out 
of  which  springs  up  a  language  for  the  people.  ''It  is 
not  I  that  speak"  but  the  "  Father  who  is  in  me."  His 
voice  through  his  instrument,  who  is  as  a  mouth  for  the 
Lord  !  Trust  Him  who  opens  the  wa}^,  enlightens  the 
path  ;  is  present  to  anoint,  to  bless,  and  to  prosper  his 
own  work  ;  and  to  roll  together  the  clouds  and  scatter 
them,  that  the  ''  Sun  of  righteousness"  ma}^  illumine 
heaven  and  earth. 

Although  ni}-  health  is  nearl}"  restored,  \-et  it  is  so 
cold  and  icy  to-day,  that  my  children  were  unwilling  for 
me  to  venture  out  to  meeting.  Not  mingling  as  much 
as  usual  with  Friends  generally,  as  I  am  much  at  home 
because  of  the  "  imfirmities  of  the  flesh,"  I  often  feel 
poor,  and  the  streams  very  low !  I  question  myself 
whether  there  is  a  withering,  yea  or  nay.  There  are 
many  poor  in  the  world,  in  "basket  and  in  store"  out- 
wardly ;  there  are  many  poor  in  "  oil  and  wine,"  spiritu- 
ally, for  their  own  refreshment,  and  to  hand  to  the  needy. 
But,  if  they  know  who  has  in  store  a  supply,  they  can 
"  ask  in  faith,"  and,  in  his  own  time,  they  will  surel}' 
receive.     There  was  something  for  the  disciples  to  do  at 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  101 

the  time  of  the  miracle,  and  there  is  for  us  now.  "  Fill 
the  water-pot  up  to  the  brim."  What  a  placid  surface — 
not  a  ripple,  or  there  would  be  an  overflow.  All  the 
thoughts  (so  unstable)  gathered,  still,  the  eye  of  faith 
directed  to  the  Master — waiting.  O  the  change  !  The 
water  agitated,  threatening,  overflowing;  changed  into 
the  "wine  of  consolation."  Draw  out  now;  give  to 
others,  and  "  drink  thy  wine  with  a  merry  heart ;  for 
God  now  accepteth  thy  works." 

It  is  no  new  thing  to  be  tried  ;  to  be  tossed  as  with 
the  tempest,  and  "  not  comforted."  But  the  ''  Comforter" 
is  nigh,  saying  to  those  who  love  Him,  "  Lo,  I  am  with 
you  alway,  even  to  the  end  of  the  world."  I  could  recur 
to  .the  days  of  my  espousals,  when  at  seasons,  I  can  say, 
from  experience,  "  I  remembered  God,  and  was  troubled, 
I  complained,  and  my  spirit  was  overwhelmed  ;"  seasons 
when  I  sought  my  Beloved,  and  found  Him  not,  for  a 
long  time.  Ah  !  many  such  seasons  have  been  known  ; 
but  when  my  allegiance  was  pr'oird^  then  He  arose  in 
his  beauty,  and  his  face  beamed  with  love.  vSuch  is  the 
experience  of  his  children,  that  our  dependence  ma}-  be 
on  an  Almighty  Arm,  and  that  we  may  be  led  in  a  "  new 
way,"  in  the  everlasting  Light ;  then  we  see  for  our- 
selves, without  any  doubt  or  uncertainty,  what  that  good 
and  acceptable  sacrifice  is,  which  the  Lord  requires  of 
us ;  not  what  man  requires,  but  what  man  in  Christ, 
assents  unto.  I  often  think  how  little  heed  is  given,  by 
the  fashionable,  church-going  people,  to  the  voice  of  the 
Spirit,  impressions,  silent  prayer,  heart-praises  and  melo- 


102  Life  and  Letters  of 

dies.  Therefore,  book-religion,  vocal  prayer,  and  own- 
ing creeds,  are  substituted  for  practical  religion.  Oli ! 
what  a  privilege  to  be  educated  in  a  belief  that  we  have 
Imnianuel,  God  with  us,  ever,  unless  we  wilfully  go 
from  Him,  into  disobedience;  and  then  He  follows  us 
to  the  very  ends  of  the  earth,  whether  we  be  rich  or 
poor,  saying,  ''  Come  unto  me,  all  ye  ends  of  the  earth, 
and  be  saved."  The  more  children  are  taught  to  look 
to  this  inward  principle,  the  better  it  will  be  for  the 
communit}'  at  large.  I  believe  First-day  schools  among 
Friends  wnll  be  a  blessing,  7/  kept  in  tJicir  right  place. 
Good  seed,  sown  in  innocent  minds,  must  take  root ! 

What  will  my  dear  A.  think  of  my  long  silence, 
after  such  a  letter  as  hers?  Well,  dear,  it  has  not  been 
for  want  of  loving  interest  and  sympathy  ;  but  because 
of  my  close  travail  of  spirit  and  sympathy  with  the  sick  ; 
in  view  of  the  approaching  end  of  some,  very  near  and 
dear  to  me.  And  that  which  was  looked  for,  has  come, 
and  is  past;  and  I  feel  more  links  broken  in  the  chain 
of  affection  ;  not  only  one,  but  more  !  Thus  it  is  ;  the 
circle  brightened  by  loved  ones,  lessens  rapidl}',  and  ere 
long,  my  turn  to  be  gathered  will  arrive,  and,  Oh  !  then 
to  meet  the  glorified  spirits  of  the  dear  departed,  where 
separations  will  be  no  more  known,  is,  in  prospect,  some 
joy  in  the  midst  of  grief.  '^'  '^  *  O  how  many 
valued  members  of  our  Societ}-  we  have  lost  since  our 
last  Yearly  Meeting!  Pillars  in  the  church!  I  feel 
sad  when   I  think    how  we  shall   miss  them,   though  I 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  103 

know  it  is  all  in  wisdom.  The  mantle  is  left,  if  only 
caught  up.  But,  thou  may  say  this  does  not  meet  my 
case.  My  dear  A.,  the  Master  tells  thee  his  will,  and 
gives  thee  wisdom.  Be  faithful  in  all  humility,  and  He 
will  clearly  show  thee  thy  stepping-stones  in  the  true 
path.  He  will  be  thy  bow  and  battle-axe,  and  will 
cover  th}^  head  in  every  day  of  conflict. 

As  obedience  is  kept  in,  an  enlargement  will  be 
knowm.  For  the  little  streams  lead  to  "  broad  rivers  and 
streams,"  in  which  the  bark  can  move  on  in  safety. 
Have  faith  ;  it  is  the  gift  of  God  !  It  will  remove  moun- 
tains, yes,  and  make  an  easy  way  through  the  deeps.  I 
feel  assured  that  thy  mind  is  spread  out  to  receive  the 
dews  and  the  showers  of  his  love  ;  they  will  descend 
not  only  for  thy  refreshment,  but  for  thy  growth.  No 
good  thing  does  He  withhold  from  them  that  love  Him  ; 
but  He  chooses  his  servants  in  the  furnace  of  affliction. 
We  are  human  and  must  know  refinement,  purification, 
sanctification,  justification.  The  ''just  shall  live  by 
faith."  Press  on  in  the  way  cast  up  for  thee!  Trust 
in  the  Everlasting  Arms  to  support  thee  !  Pour  out 
thy  soul  to  Him,  who  is  a  friend  close  at  hand,  wnth  an 
ear  always  open  to  hear,  an  eye  to  pit3^  I  can  read 
in  thine,  my  own  experience  in  the  day  of  ni}-  espou- 
sals, when  my  Maker  was  un^  husband,  and  from  the 
world  I  was  divorced.  Yes,  dear,  I  often  "  ate  my  bread" 
in  the  bitterness  of  my  soul,  and  trod  a  lonely  wa3^ 
Yet  God  was  nigh  and  watched  over  me,  and  how  mar- 
vellously did  He  make  a  way  where  I  could  see  no  way. 


104  Life  and  Letters  of 

Words  would  fail  to  speak  his  praise  !     May  the  "  ark" 
be  kept  in  Israel  in  safety  ! 

I  recur  with  heartfelt  satisfaction  to  my  attendance 
of  Baltimore  Yearl}^  Meeting,  from  which  we  returned 
in  safety,  and  with  the  sense  of  unspeakable  peace,  as 
the  reward  of  obedience.  Can  we  not  all  say,  "  it  ivas 
good  to  be  there."  Our  spirits  were  refreshed,  our 
strenp'th  renewed  ;  and  we  can  live  on  the  food  received 
(if  abiding  in  humility)  man}-  days,  or  go  forward  through 
the  wilderness,  in  the  strength  thereof.  We  had,  indeed, 
an  excellent  meeting,  interesting  social  niinglings  ;  and 
under  all,  a  current  of  love  and  good-will  flownng,  almost 
universally,  an  evidence  of  the  "  peace  on  earth,  and 
good-will  to  men." 

I  find  a  peculiar,  heartfelt  satisfaction  as  I  ponder 
on  these  evidences  of  life ;  so  many  seem  under  the 
preparing  Hand,-  ready  to  step  into  the  ranks,  at  the 
word  of  Divine  command,  and  carry  on  the  good  work 
in  which  others  were  engaged  when  called  home.  Oh  ! 
these  dear  ones,  how  they  are  encircled  by  the  Father's 
love  ;  and  how  wise,  how  tender,  should  the  fathers  and 
mothers  in  the  Church  be,  so  that  they  may  shield  these 
inexperienced  ones,  steady  their  faltering  steps,  and  aid 
them  to  walk  safely  in  the  rugged  ways  that  they  may 
have  to  tread.  Some  have  entered  early,  others  later, 
into  the  harvest-field,  but  each  one  is  entitled  to  the 
"  penny  ;"  enough  to  procure  the  Bread  and  Water  of 
Life — sufficient  to  satisfy  the  hungry  soul. 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  105 

Some  of  the  dedicated  have  always  had  suffering, 
in  greater  or  less  degree,  for  their  portion — not  for  them- 
selves alone,  but  for  others.  So  it  remains  to  be,  if  we 
are  poured  out  for  others,  so  to  fill  up  our  measure 
for  the  "  body's  sake."  I  have  partaken  of  the  cup  of 
suffering  also ;  but  the  good  Father  has  not  forsaken 
us,  else  where  would  have  been  our  hope  ?  So  hope  on, 
trust  on,  dear  one  ;  the  Lord's  presence  can  make  amends 
for  all  other  privations.     He  has  rich  blessings  in  store. 

I  know,  dear  friend,  thy  conflicts  have  been  many, 
and  will  be.  Trials  are  added  by  the  disposition  to 
remove  landmarks,  and  to  do  away  with  all  mystery, 
as  they  say!  And  to  divide  what  God  has  joined  to- 
gether, "Jesus  and  Christ!"  Such  efforts  scatter  and 
divide.  I  have  no  sympathy-  with  such  views  ;  neither 
do  I  believe  that  Friends  will  be  instrumental  in  gath- 
ering to  the  true  sheepfold  if  they  depart  from  original 
ground.  There  is  no  Scripture  for  Jesus  being  the  son 
of  Joseph.  Besides,  my  own  instruction  by  revelation, 
as  I  sat  in  a  meeting  about  fiftj^-tM^o  years  ago,  was  in 
entire  conformity  with  the  Scripture  account  that  the 
"  prepared  body"  had  no  father  but  God — a  "  body  hast 
thou  prepared  me,"  sent  for  a  special  purpose  ;  Divinity 
in  human it}^ !  A  Saviour  to  the  Jews,  and  his  mission 
was  to  lead  into  a  higher  dispensation.  The  Law  and 
the  Prophets  having  been  fulfilled  in  Him,  then  the 
visible  Jesus  was  removed,  that  a  spiritual  head  of  a 
more  spiritual  religion  might  be  known.     Can  not  an 


106  Life  and  Letters  of 

Almighty  Being  perform  any  work  ?  Is  not  his  power 
unlimited  ?  Is  it  wise  in  man  to  try  to  remove  the  con- 
necting link  in  the  great  economy  of  God,  in  restoring 
a  fallen  race  ?  There  is  no  flaw  in  God's  works  !  How 
gradual  are  his  mercy  and  long-suffering !  And  what 
encouragement  to  a  fallen  race  that  He  sent  into  the 
world,  one  tempted  in  all  things,  yet  never  yielding — 
inviting  us  to  trust  in  the  same  Power  to  keep  us. 

I  cannot  write  much,  for  I  am  not  well  enough ; 
but  I  must  say  that  I  am  very  sorry  that  there  is  such 
a  desire  for  reform  as  to  try  to  reform  Faith^  which  is 
God's  gift.  "  By  grace  ye  are  saved,  through  faith, 
and  that  not  of  yourselves,  it  is  the  gift  of  God."  If  we 
doubt  the  emphatic  testimony  of  the  Scriptures,  in  what 
shall  we  have  faith  ?  In  the  Spirit  only  ?  That  is  true, 
but  we  must  have  speech  also — some  channel  of  commu- 
nication. If  Jesus  />  Joseph's  son,  why  look  to  his  say- 
ings more  than  to  other  men's  ?  Or,  how  hold  Him  up 
without  being  idolaters  ?  Oh  !  that  we  would  get  into 
the  Gospel  stream,  and  keep  in  it !  No  distrust,  no 
doubt,  no  contending  doctrines  there !  Christ  would 
guide  our  little  barks  safely,  and  still  the  threatening 
storms. 

The  more  I  read  and  hear  of  philosophical  investi- 
gations, designed  to  remove  a  belief  in  miracles,  and 
in  the  account  of  the  outward  advent,  the  death  and  the 
resurrection  of  Jesus  Christ,  the  firmer  is  my  faith  in 
the  truth  and  the  reality  of  the  record,  as  in  the  Holy 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  107 

Scriptures.  How  can  aii}^  one  who  believes  in  God 
(who  has  all  power  in  Heaven  and  in  earth)  doubt  any 
miracle,  at  anj^  time  or  age  of  the  world.  Who  would 
dare  to  limit  his  power ;  the  finite  to  limit  the  Infinite. 
There  is  no  difficulty,  it  seems  to  me,  in  reconciling 
occurrences,  if  we  are  steadfast  in  our  faith  that  God's 
ways  are  higher  than  man's  ways,  and  his  thoughts 
than  man's  thoughts.  "  God  is  Light,"  and  as  we  re- 
main, as  men,  in  our  true  position,  upright,  our  reason 
unclouded — not  perverting  God's  ways,  nor  disobeying 
his  laws — our  minds  clear  and  thoughts  pure,  his  light 
will  shine  upon  us  to  give  us  to  know  the  Truth.  To 
see  things  not  before  revealed  to  us,  to  behold  the 
angels  (ministering  spirits)  ascending  and  descending 
to  feed  us  with  food  convenient  for  us ;  and  the  Son 
and  sent  of  the  Father  coming  in  love  inwardly,  as 
truly  as  He  came  outwardly,  to  redeem  us  from  all 
evil ;  to  lift  us  up  with  Him  ;  and  to  give  us  an  inheri- 
tance among  all  them  that  are  sanctified ;  and  herein 
we  see  the  end  of  the  outward,  the  work  accomplished. 
How  great  the  danger  of  doubting !  Those  who  doubt, 
and  cavil,  searching  for  errors,  faults,  inconsistencies, 
can  always  find  them,  in  everything  ;  real  in  some  things, 
imaginary  in  many,  and  wholly  imaginary  in  Chris- 
tianity. Inconsistencies  appear  in  too  many  professed 
Christians  ;  but  the  religion  of  Jesus  Christ  is  not  blem- 
ished thereby.     It  remains  pure. 

John  Woolman  saw  and  heard  "  certain  evidence  of 
Divine  Truth  ;"  and  I  have  long  believed  this.     Atheists 


108  Life  and  Letters  of 

and  skeptics  have  long  tried  to  dig  and  undermine  the 
Rock  on  which  Truth  rears  its  edifice,  but  they  have 
failed ;  I  hope  and  trust  the}^  ever  will  fail. 


PART    M. 


LETTERS  TO  HER  NEPHEW,  ROBERT  SHOEMAKER. 

MooRESTOWN,  Ninth  Month  i8th,  1847. 

My  Dear  Nephew  : — I  was  in  the  city  yesterday,  on  a 
Committee,  but  having  to  sit  there  from  ten  o'clock  until 
three,  I  had  no  time  to  call,  or  to  attend  to  some  other 
things  that  I  wished  to. 

We  are  all  well,  and  have  been  for  the  most  part 
through  the  summer,  which  is  cause  for  thankfulness. 
The  country  looks  beautiful ;  the  corn  and  buckwheat 
crops  are  promising,  the  pasture  is  excellent,  and  the 
conditions  are  cheering  to  the  heart  of  the  farmer.  How 
much  we  have  to  be  thankful  for,  and  yet  how  little 
evidence  of  an  humble  acknowledgment  of  the  good  gifts 
of  the  Great  Giver,  do  we  discover  in  the  busy  world 
where  men  are  wasting  and  destroying  these  good  gifts, 
and  furiously  slaying  their  fellow-beings  merely  to  get  a 
little  more !  How  long  will  these  things  be  ?  When 
will  men  learn  wisdom  by  the  things  that  they  suffer  ? 
Oh,  that  Christian  professors  everywhere  would  unite  in 
promoting  the  peaceable  religion  of  Jesus.  Then  how 
sweetly  should  we  dwell  together,  where  joy  and  glad- 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  109 

ness  would  be  heard,  and  the  voice  of  melody.  The 
true  Christians  in  ever}^  denomination  know  no  feeling 
other  than  that  of  love  :  toward  the  vilest  sinner  they 
feel  that  love  which  induces  pity.  Oh,  what  an  example 
did  our  dear  Redeemer  set  us,  in  eating  with  publicans 
and  sinners,  that  by  this  condescension  he  might  gain 
their  love  and  convert  them,  by  calling  them  to  repent- 
ance. Oh,  that  we  might  pray  unto  the  Lord  of  the 
harvest,  that  He  would  send  forth  faithful  laborers  into 
his  harvest-field,  that  there  might  be  more  of  a  gathering 
to  the  fiock  and  family  of  Christ  —  for  these  are  to  be 
found  in  every  nation,  kindred,  tongue  and  people ;  and 
However  different  their  profession,  they  are  all  one  in 
Christ.  They  are  one  with  the  Father  and  with  the 
Son,  and  in  this  oneness  they  have  fellowship  one  with 
another.  Ah  !  how  soon  will  that  period  arrive  when  it 
will  matter  not  to  us  concerning  anything  but  this — 
that  our  names  are  found  written  in  the  "  Lamb's  book  of 
Life ;"  for  these,  and  these  only,  are  entitled  to  an  entrance 
into  the  joy  of  our  Lord. 

I  remain  with  much  love  to  thyself  and  family,  and 
with  desires  for  your  welfare,  affectionately  thy  aunt, 

Mary  S.  Lippincott. 

Sixth  Month   ist,  1879. 
Afy  Dear  Nephew  : — The  weather  is  very  warm  these 
last  two   days.     I  had  pleasant  weather  while  in  New- 
York,  also  a  very  satisfactory^  Yearly  Meeting,  and  much 
affectionate  kindness  from  Friends.     I  parted  from  them 


110  Life  and  Letters  of 

feeling  that  it  would  probably  be  my  last  visit,  and  I  feel 
peaceful  and  tliankfnl  for  the  many  favors  received,  and 
for  none  more  than  for  the  loving  care  of  my  Heavenly 
Father,  who,  I  hope  will  sustain  me  till  He  takes  me 
home.  I  also  hope  that  He  will  care  for  mine  and  for 
all  others,  when  I  am  gone,  for  I  feel  a  desire  that  all 
sonls  should  flee  to  God  for  refuge,  and  be  saved. 

We  miss  onr  horse  much  ;  but  I  am  thankful  to  be 
able  to  walk  to  meeting.  To-day  I  had  a  ride  part  way, 
and  walked  the  remainder  ;  a  good  meeting  rewarded 
me. 

We  are  all  three  of  ns  troubled  with  aches  and 
pains,  bnt  I  often  count  my  favors  and  blessings,  and 
try  to  hope  ahead.  There  are  many  trials  and  adversi- 
ties, but  there  is  also  an  assurance  that  there  is  a  joy 
to  cover  all  these,  if  onl}^  we  are  redeemed  and  made 
partakers  of  God's  salvation  offered  to  all. 

I  hope  you  are  all  well,  also  thy  brothers  and  their 
families,  to  whom  love  abounds  in  my  heart. 

"  I  love  my  own  dear  kin  and  kith 
With  love  that  is  no  sham  nor  myth." 

Thy  affectionate  aiint, 

M.  S.  L. 

MooRESTOWN,  Eleventh  Month  25th,  1879. 
My  Dear  Nephew : — Thanks  for  the  nice  pictures, 
received  yesterday.  They  are  excellent  likenesses  of  a 
dear  nephew  and  niece,  as  I  hope  ever  to  be  privileged 
to  call  you,  while  I  am  tottering  on  to  the  goal  which 
lies  at  the  end  of  my  pilgrimage. 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  ill 

We  are  much  tied  at  home  with  business  that  claims 
our  time  and  our  thoughts — yes,  more  so  than  I  would 
wish  in  old  age  ;  but  perhaps  it  is  better  to  keep  in 
the  harness  till  the  end,  and  so  "  to  wear  out,  rather 
than  to  rust  out."  I  hope  never  to  grudge  what  I  have 
freely  done  for  others,  but  we  have  met. with  some  losses 
which  are  hard  to  bear  ;  for  had  the}'  not  occurred  I  might 
have  been  relieved  from  care  and  anxiety  long  ere  this. 

I  am  like  Jacob  ;  I  like  the  Shoemakers  and  always 
did ;  and  it  does  me  good  to  step  into  the  store  and  look 
upon  you  as  you  are  engaged  in  business  ;  you  all  look 
as  if  3'ou  are  trying  to  do  right,  in  every  sense  of  the 
word,  and  that  is  what  constitutes  true  happiness  and 
usefulness — to  help  yourselves  and  to  serve  others.  This 
is  so  in  lawful  business,  and  in  higher  duties  as  well. 
A  Friend  once  said,  "  We  are  all  servants,  from  the 
highest  in  authorit}^  down  ;"  and  so  it  seems  to  be.  To 
serve  well  in  our  temporal  things,  and  to  accommodate 
others,  evinces  that  we  are  faithful  stewards  over  tem- 
poral goods,  and  to  such  are  given  "  durable  riches." 
How  happy  would  it  be  for  mankind  if  it  were  always 
so,  for  then  there  would  be  no  over-reaching,  no  default- 
ing ;  but  the  observance  of  the  Golden  Rule  would  enable 
us  all,  as  "brethren  to  dwell  together  in  unity."  Oh, 
how  often  and  increasingly  I  rejoice  because  the  good 
Father  loves  the  human  family,  and  reaches  out  his 
hand  to  gather  all ;  to  raise  even  out  of  the  pit  of  pollu- 
tion, and  to  place  the  feet  upon  a  rock,  which  rock  is 
Christ.     "How  often  would  I  have  gathered"  you,  but 


112  Life  aqd  Letters  of 

"ye  would  not."  This  is  the  pathetic  language  to  all 
poor  unconverted  ;  and  to  all  backsliders  for  whom  Chris- 
tians must  be  poured  forth  in  spiritual  prayers.  I  be- 
lieve throughout  Christendom,  prayers  ascend  and  reach 
the  ears  of  the  Lord  of  Sabaoth,  that  the  way  of  salvation 
may  be  known,  and  the  wanderers  return  and  live. 

The  recent  visit  that  we  had  from  thy  brothers  and 
their  wives,  with  the  dear  little  ones,  was  truly  pleasant 
to  us.  I  recurred  to  your  father  in  his  youth,  when  he 
was  in  business  at  grandfather's,  and  we  all  there.  Then 
and  always,  he  was  as  a  brother  to  me.  He  was  very 
conscientious,  kept  out  of  harm's  way,  and  was  a  good 
example  to  young  people.  Yes  !  I  loved  your  parents, 
and  I  hope  to  meet  them  in  eternity.  May  we  be  gath- 
ered there  when  done  with  time — gathered  in  one  com- 
pany ;  none  missing  from  the  family  circle  surrounding 
the  throne  of  the  Lord  God  and  the  Lamb  forever. 

Thy  loving  aunt, 

M.  S.  L. 

MooRESTOVVN,  First  Month  13th,  1880. 
My  Dear  Nephew  : — I  have  desired  that  I  might 
have  strength,  mentally  and  physically,  some  time  soon 
to  call  to  mind  and  write  down  many  names  of  the 
former  members  of  our  families,  and  some  others  who 
used  to  be  prominent,  active  inhabitants  and  useful 
citizens  of  Shoemakertown.  They  were  many,  and  were 
well  known  as  an  intelligent  people ;  and  many  of  them 
were  well  educated,  and  were  not   inferior  in  business 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  113 

ability,  in  practical  piety,  and  in  religious  obsen-ances 
to  their  worthy  successors.  Such  is  my  belief,  and  if 
any  of  ni}^  age  remain,  they  will,  I  think,  sanction  ni}- 
view  and  confirm  my  testimony.  And  the  harmony  and 
good  feeling !  Why,  I  often  recur  to  my  childhood,  when 
from  all  that  I  heard  and  saw,  I  thought  of  no  faults  in 
any,  except  occasionall\'  a  rare  case  of  intemperance  was 
seen.  Visiting  was  frequent,  and  evenings  together 
were  passed  pleasantly  and  instructively  ;  for  the  con- 
versation would  be  upon  the  better  times  since  the 
Revolution,  the  improvements  in  schools,  in  farming, 
fruit-raising  and  other  branches  of  business  ;  also  the 
prosperity  of  A.,  B.,  and  C,  who  were  doing  so  well,  &c. 
There  were  comfortable  homes  with  well  polished  fur- 
niture, and  nice  "  rag  carpets  ;  "  parlors  with  a  nicer 
kind,  and  pretty  furniture;  and  then  the  welcome  — 
yes,  the  welcome  !  And  the  easy,  cos}'^  mingling !  How 
sweet  is  the  remembrance.  There  was  thy  double  great- 
aunt,  Nancy  Leech,  descended  from  the  royal  Stuarts. 
Seated  in  her  ebony  chair  she  looked  like  a  queen,  to 
whom  her  husband,  children  and  domestics  delighted 
to  do  honor;  and  she  was  worthy  of  it.  Her  family 
were  trained  in  ways  of  true  politeness.  Thy  great- 
grandmother  Martin  was  another  lady.  Uncle  John 
Shoemaker's  family,  and  his  sons  John  and  Charles 
and  their  families,  and  many,  many  others,  including 
what  are  left  of  their  descendants.  Thy  great-grand- 
father (my  grandfather),  Benjamin  Shoemaker,  was  a 
gentleman,  and   was  regarded   as  such,  and   highly  es- 


114  Life  aqd  Letters  of 

teemed  by  Friends  and  others  who  visited  at  his  house, 
and  were  friends  to  him  as  he  was  to  them.  It  is  now 
a  long  time  since  these  worthy  predecessors  and  their 
not  less  worth}-  neighbors,  passed  away,  but  their  char- 
acters, their  worth,  their  gentleness,  and  their  Christian 
deportment  remain  with  me ;  and  I  often  consider  it  a 
privilege  to  have  been  reared  with  such,  and  to  have  had 
the  opportunity  of  hearing  the  instructive  conversation 
of  so  many  of  them,  as  I  sat  beside  my  venerable  and 
much  respected  grandsire.. 

Oh  !  how  it  animates  me  to  recur  to  the  past,  and  to 
thy  dear  father  in  his  \'outh,  and  a  little  later  to  thy  own 
dear  mother ;  so  kind,  and  affectionate  and  bright.  How 
many  pleasant  hours  I  spent  with  her. 

How  I  am  bound  to  my  kin,  and  to  those  whom  they 
have  chosen  as  helpmeets.     Farewell. 
Thy  attached  aunt, 

M.  S.  L. 

MooRESTOWN,  Fiftli  Month  31st,  1880. 
My  Dear  Nephew : — I  feel  lonely  to  think  that  B. 
S.  and  the  others  have  gone  to  stem  the  great  water,  aud 
to  pass  the  summer  in  a  foreign  land ;  and  I  have  an 
idea  it  is  a  stripping  time  with  thee  and  all  the  rest, 
nearly  allied  and  cheered  by  their  presence,  as  well  as 
with  the  sons  left  at  home.  I  hope  that  it  is  right,  that 
it  may  prove  a  benefit,  aud  that  they  may  safely  return, 
and  not  encounter  floating  ice-bergs  on  their  way.  The 
day  [of  their  sailing]  was  auspicious,  so  far  as  weather 


Mary  S.  Lippiqcott,  115 

was  concerned,  and  to  ns  who  ninst  remain  at  home,  the 
showers  have  been  refreshing. 

While  the  weather  is  beautiful,  there  are  cares  and 
trials  that  sometimes  weigh  heavily,  and  there  is  a  long- 
ing for  some  one  to  confer  with.  The  financial  pressure 
affects  more  or  less  all  who  are  engaged  in  business,  and 
I  have  to  assume  ni}'  share.  I  do  not  want  to  complain, 
for  though  I  have  had  a  long  and  checkered  journey,  I 
have  never  been  forsaken.  I  often  turn  to  my  dear  kin, 
with  longings  to  be  more  with  them  during  the  little 
time  allotted  me  here. 

Love  to  tli}^  dear  self,  to  A.,  and  to  your  children. 
Thy  affectionate  aunt, 

M.  S.  L. 

MooRESTOWN,  Sixth  Month  29th,  1880. 

My  Dear  Nephew : — I  intended  to  write  thee  on 
my  seventy-ninth  birth-day,  23rd  instant,  but  I  first 
wrote  to  Benjamin,  and  then  m}^  head  ached  so  that  I 
deemed  it  not  prudent  to  write  more  that  day,  and  the 
extreme  heat  and  indisposition  have  prevented  since. 

I  have  not  been  out  since  First-day  week,  though  I 
hope  I  am  better  this  morning,  having  slept  more  last 
night  than  for  some  time  previousl3^ 

Such  a  drought  and  heated  term  in  Sixth  Month, 
none  can  remember  ever  to  have  known  before.  We  try 
to  keep  as  bright  as  we  can,  and  J.  is  remarkable  for 
bracing  up. 

I  had  an  interesting  letter  from  Benjamin,  written 


116  Life  and  Letters  of 

on  the  second  and  third  insts.  I  presume  that  he  and 
many  others  partook  some  of  sea-sickness,  and  probably 
more  after  he  wrote.  How  many  accidents  we  hear  of, 
bnt  most  of  them  nearer  home.  How  thankful  I  feel 
when  I  hear  that  the  dear  ones  are  safe  and  comfortable, 
and  I  trust,  thankful,  too — with  all  the  withholding  and 
the  blighted  prospects — for  food  and  raiment.  These 
will  be  needed  a  little  while  longer  to  sustain  and  clothe 
the  poor  body,  and  then  it  must  return  to  the  earth. 
But  if  the  soul  is  only  safe,  and  fitted  for  immortality, 
Oh  !  what  a  favor  from  that  great,  good  Father  who  holds 
all — except  those  that  fall  awa}- — in  his  everlasting 
arms  of  love.  May  He  enclose  thee  and  thine,  me  and 
mine,  and  all  those  who  love  Him,  and  who  delight  to 
think  upon  his  goodness  and  mercy.  And,  Oh  !  that 
all  the 'wanderers  and  prodigals  would  "return,  repent, 
and  live."  Happy  would  it  be  for  such  in  life,  and 
happy  would  it  be  for  them  in  death  ;  because  the  cap- 
tive spirits  would  return,  in  peace,  to  God  who  gave 
them.  Love  to  A.  and  to  your  children. 
Thy  loving  aunt, 

M.'S.  L. 


PART  III 


LETTERS   TO    HER   GRANDSON. 

[The  boy,  the  youth,  the  young  man,  the  husband, 
and  the  father,  to  whom  the  following  letters  were  ad- 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  117 

dressed,  was  the  only  child  of  her  husband's  deceased 
son.  His  name  was  the  same  as  that  of  his  father — 
Daniel  P.  Lippincott.  Most  of  his  married  life  was  passed 
in  St.  Louis,  Missouri.] 

Third  Month  21st,  1859. 

My  Dear  Grandson  : — I  received  thy  very  accepta- 
ble letter  duly,  but  have  been  prevented  hy  company, 
from  replying.  We  are  all  pleased  with  the  prospect  of 
seeing  thee  soon.  We  should  like  thee  to  come  to  our 
house  to  stay  until  some  other  arrangement  is  made. 

All  thy  friends  manifest  a  great  deal  of  interest  in 
thee,  and  want  thee  to  do  well,  and  to  be  comfortable 
and  happy. 

I  do  not  want  thee  to  go  into  a  store,  as  I  would 
not  choose  that  business  for  thee  ;  it  is  so  confining  for 
those  who  have  been  used  to  the  open  air.  Thy  present 
need  is  to  go  to  school,  and  get  a  thorough  education. 
I  am  pleased  to  see  thy  good  penmanship,  and  well  com- 
posed letters.     I  hope  thee  will  keep  well. 

I  shall  be  glad  to  have  thy  likeness  when  thee 
comes. 

Take  good  care  of  thyself,  and  try  to  keep  well.  I 
shall  be  glad  to  hear  from  thee  if  thee  has  time  to  write 
again  before  coming. 

Farewell.     Jane  and  Margaret  unite  in  love  to  thee. 

I  remain  thy  affectionate  and  well-wishing  grand- 
mother. 

Mary  S.  Lippincott. 


118  Life  and  Letters  of 

Fifth  Month  i6th,  1859. 

My  Dear  Grmidson  :  —  I  received  thy  acceptable 
letter  while  in  Philadelphia,  attending  our  Yearly  Meet- 
ing, and  as  I  am  Clerk  of  the  Meeting  I  could  not  get 
time  to  write  and  tell  thee  how  glad  we  always  are  to 
hear  of  thy  welfare. 

We  are  all  pleased  to  learn  that  thee  has  employ- 
ment, and  hope  thee  will  keep  well  and  be  able  to  fulfill 
thy  part  pleasantly. 

Our  Yearly  Meeting  was  large  (more  than  three 
thousand  in  attendance),  and  was  a  good,  comfortable 
meeting  throughout.  It  held  nearly  a  week.  To-day 
we  are  again  on  duty  in  school.  The  weather  is  lovely, 
clear  and  cool,  and  the  country  looks  flourishing. 

17th. — The  birds  are  singing  very  sweetly,  they 
and  myself  being  about  all  that  appear  to  be  up,  in  our 
immediate  neighborhood.  Our  family  mostly  allow  me 
the  privilege  of  being  alone  a  good  while,  mornings. 
They  love  morning  naps. 

We  often  think  of  the  pleasant  time  thee  spent  with 
us,  and  hope  the  like  will  occur  again. 

I  hope  thee  will  continue  to  make  a  selection  of 
reading  that  is  profitable  and  elevating  to  the  mind  and 
morals  ;  for  there  are  many  publications  emanating  from 
the  press  that  are  no  better  for  the  mind  than  poison 
is  for  the  body.  Their  contents  sicken  the  moral  sense, 
and  then  destro}^  it.  Refined,  substantial  books,  accom- 
panied by  virtuous  and  good  society,  shed  a  happy  and 
beneficial  influence  on  the  character  of  the  3'oung,  which 


Mary  S.  Lippiqcott.  119 

often  proves  a  blessing  through  life.  Correct  principles 
early  imbibed,  and  habits  according  therewith,  seldom 
leave  ns  ;  neither  is  it  in  the  power  of  the  vicious  to 
overthrow  them.  Very  rarely,  at  least,  does  it  occur  that 
such  are  swerved  from  their  purpose  of  doing  well.  I 
hope  that  thine  may  be  a  useful  and  happ}/  career.  Thy 
business  campaign  was  early  attempted  ;  but  an  over- 
ruling Providence  is  the  care-taker  of  his  children,  and 
I  trust  and  hope  that  He  will  have  thee  in  his  keeping, 
and  guide  thy  footsteps  aright  through  life ;  then  it 
will  matter  not  on  what  part  of  the  globe  thy  career  is 
finished,  thy  end  will  be  peace. 

With  love  from  all  the  family,  including  myself,  I 
remain  thy  affectionate  grandmother, 

M.  S.  L. 

Eleventh  Month  20th,  1859. 
I  hope  this  will  find  thee  as  cheerful  and  happy  as 
I  left  thee,  and  as  well  in  health,  for  I  am  interested  in 
thy  welfare  and  improvement,  as  much,  I  believe,  as  if 
thou  wert  my  own  son.  Dear  child !  I  feel  easy  about 
thee,  believing  thou  art  placed  in  a  ver}^  favorable  situa- 
tion, and  I  hope  thy  progress  in  study  will  be  satisfactory 
to  thyself  and  to  thy  teacher.  I  was  much  pleased  while 
in  the  school,  with  the  appearance  of  so  nice  a  company 
of  youths,  and  I  do  hope  you  will  be  an  advantage  to  one 
another.  Self-government  is  better  than  observance  of 
rules  (though  this  is  right)  for  few  rules  are  needed  where 
each  one  controls  himself. 


120  Life  and  Letters  of 

I  had  a  pleasant  journey  home,  and  found  all  well 
and  getting  along  nicely. 

We  had  an  interesting  lecture  on  Fifth-day ;  expect 
to  have  them  once  in  two  weeks. 

I  had  a  severe  turn  with  my  head  one  day,  but  it 
passed  off;  for  which  I  feel  thankful.  We  are  having 
lovely  weather,  after  much  rain. 

A.  R.  was  here  yesterday,  and  seemed  glad  to  hear 
of  thy  safe  arrival  there  [at  Gwynedd  Boarding  School]. 
I  think  thee  will  love  all  the  family.  I  hope  thee  will 
not  feel  discouraged  if  thee  is  not  able  to  answer  all  the 
questions,  for  thee  is  young,  and  I  have  no  doubt  will 
get  along  well,  time  being  afforded  thee.  I  want  thee  to 
tell  me  about  thy  studies,  and  whatever  else  there  is  of 
interest.  I  feel  a  deep  interest  in  the  famil}'  and  the 
school.  How  do  you  spend  your  time  between  schools  ? 
What  do  you  play  ?     Exercise  is  very  essential. 

I  have  had  a  good  deal  of  company,  and  do  not  feel 
as  if  I  had  much  to  say,  for  I  have  interruptions  while 
writing.  With  love  and  desires  for  thy  welfare,  I  am 
thy  affectionate  grandmother, 

'   ■       M.  S.  L. 

Eleventh  Month  30th,  1859. 
T  received  th}-  acceptable  letter  and  was  pleased  to 
notice  the  improvement  in  thy  penmanship  and  spelling. 
We  have  delightful  weather,  and  anticipate  a  mild  win- 
ter's morning,  when  we  arise  to  hail  another  day.  We 
have  been  favored  for  the  most  part  with  the  privilege  of 


Mary  S.  Ltppincott.  121 

lovely  walks  over  the  green  fields,  and  through  the  woods 
to  gather  mosses,  and  other  relics  of  the  season,  that 
remain  uncovered  by  snow,  and  unbitten  by  the  frosts 
that  blight  so  much. 

Twelfth  Month  ist. 

A  fine  morning,  but  hardly  light  enough  to  see  to 
write.  I  suppose  another  day  will  decide  the  fate  of 
poor  John  Brown.  We  can  form  some  idea  of  the  seem- 
ing security  of  the  South,  b}^  the  array  of  military  men 
on  such  an  occasion.  To  my  mind  it  conveys  the  idea 
that  our  favored  government  rests  on  a  slender  basis. 
How  Friends  feel  at  the  South  we  may  conjecture. 
Those  with  whom  I  correspond  have  not  yet  made  the 
first  allusion  to  the  subject  in  any  of  their  letters.  A 
Friend,  just  returned  from  Virginia,  says  that  in  Lou- 
den County,  some  think  they  will  be  ordered  to  leave 
the  State.  The  measures  of  the  Governor  of  Virginia 
seem  like  a  challenge  for  a  civil  war.  The  result  we 
must  await.  I  mourn  over  our  country,  that  we  have, 
with  our  eyes  open,  traveled  the  direct  road  to  such  a 
crisis. 

The  institution  and  perpetuation  of  slavery  on  the 
one  hand,  and  the  zeal  on  the  other  (alwaj^s  manifested 
more  or  less  to  meet  wrong)  have  provoked  this  ebulli- 
tion, and  where  is  it  to  stop  ?  •  Well  would  it  be  for  the 
United  States  if  our  rulers,  peaceably,  should  remove 
cause  and  effect :  then  would  this  be  the  most  favored 
nation   of  the  earth,  and  an   asylum   for  the   oppressed 


122  Life  and  Letters  of 

from  other  lands.      But  at  this  time  great  prudence  be- 
comes the  people  of  the  North. 

I  reverently  trust  that  more  can  be  affected  by  "  fer- 
vent, effectual  prayer,"  than  by  freedom  of  speech,  to 
change  the  hearts  of  those  who  are  agents  in  the  iniqui- 
tous system  of  slavery.  Much  was  effected  in  days  of 
old  in  that  way,  and  the  Supreme  Ruler  of  the  universe 
makes  use  of  men  now  for  a  wise  and  glorious  purpose — 
even  to  stay  the  flood  of  iniquity  by  wielding  the  sword 
of  the  spirit,  to  slay  spiritual  foes,  enemies  to  the  Truth, 
to  the  people,  and  to  God.  Poor  John  Brown  !  who  can 
pronounce  judgment  upon  him  ?  He  may  have  thought 
as  Saul  did,  that  he  was  doing  God  service.  Surely 
he  has  been  prompted  by  very  many,  and  I  trust  his 
rash  act  may  be  pardoned,  and  he  go  to  rest. 

Please  give  my  love  to  the  family,  take  good  care 
of  th3^self,  and  be  a  good  boy;  these  two  injunctions 
embrace  all  that  is  needed.  I  am  always  glad  to  hear 
from  thee. 

Thy  affectionate  grandmother, 

M.  S.  L. 

Twelfth  Month  20th,  1S59. 
I  am  pleased  to  see  thy  improvement  in  penman- 
ship and  spelling,  and  infer  that  thy  progress  in  other 
branches  corresponds.  I  feel  very  sure  that  thy  situation 
is  eligible  to  receive  a  good  education,  and  that  every 
attention  will  be  paid  to  polish  thee,  as  thee  is  growing 
to  the  age  of  a  young  man.     In  America  now,  juveniles 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  123 

soon  reach  a  responsible  time  of  life,  when  the  appellation 
of  young  man  falls  pleasingly  upon  their  ears. 

I  was  favorably  impressed  with  the  appearance  of 
thy  schoolmates,  and  I  trust  that  you  form  an  agreeable 
"  social  circle,"  and  that  by  your  gentlemanly  deport- 
ment, and  accommodating  manners,  you  may  be  an 
ornament  to  the  school,  and  a  comfort  to  those  who 
preside  as  guardians  over  you,  while  there.  It  yields 
much  more  real  satisfaction  in  after  years,  to  look  back 
to  school-days  with  the  consciousness  that  they  were 
well-spent — industriously  and  profitably — than  it  would 
to  have  to  remember  idle  freaks,  and  antic  performances 
that  made  the  teacher's  care  doubl}^  onerous,  and  caused 
the  students  man}-  unpleasant  deprivations.  Innocent 
recreation  and  amusement  I  always  encourage  in  the 
young ;  it  is  good  for  their  bodies  and  strengthening  to 
their  minds. 

I  am  obliged  for  the  paper ;  those  exercises  are  use- 
ful in  calling  out  3"our  energies,  and  promoting  care  and 
precision.  Do  thy  best,  but  be  not  too  anxious  to  per- 
form too  much.  Time  will  be  afforded  thee  to  accom- 
pany application  "  up  the  hill  of  science."  At  thy  age 
it  is  not  wise  to  tax  thy  brain  too  much. 

I  am  glad  3^ou  all  keep  well,  and  that  thee  is  happy. 
Accept  my  love  and  believe  me  to  be  thy  well-wishing 
grandmother. 

M.  S.  L. 


124  Life  and  Letters  of 

First  Month  30th,  i860. 

I  find  that  it  will  not  do  to  depend  npon  others  to 
write  to  thee,  so  if  I  do  not  tire  thee  with  my  letters  I 
shall  continue  to  tell  thee  how  we  are  and  how  we  fare. 
D.  W.  has  been  extremely  ill,  so  that  at  one  time  we 
despaired  of  his  recovery  ;  but  he  is  now  convalescent, 
and  likely  to  be  well  again.  It  was  a  severe  case  of 
pneumonia.    Other  relatives  and  friends  in  usual  health. 

We  have  very  cold  weather  and  some  sleighing.  Thy 
letters  evince  improvement  in  both  penmanship  and  com- 
position. I  hope  thee  may  feel  encouraged  to  persevere, 
but  to  proceed  carefully,  and  not  be  anxious  to  acquire 
more  than  is  best  in  a  limited  time.  In  ascending  a 
steep  mountain,  it  is  best  not  to  go  too  fast  at  the  begin- 
ning, and  thus  spend  the  strength  which  will  be  needed 
for  the  latter  and  more  arduous  portion  of  the  journey. 
Health  of  mind  and  body  must  be  attended  to  —  neither 
should  be  over-taxed.  Does  thee  need  any  additional 
clothing  for  this  very  cold  weather  ? 

I  am  pleased  to  learn  that  thee  is  so  happy  there 
amongst  kind  friends.  I  am  very  easy  about  thee, 
knowing  thee  is  so  well  cared  for  and  protected.  A.  R. 
was  here  yesterday.  I  gave  him  thy  letter  to  read.  He 
seemed  much  pleased,  for  he  feels  a  deep  interest  in  thee 
and  in  thy  improvement. 

A  man  has  been  tried  for  murder  at  Mount  Holly 
Court,  and  has  been  convicted  and  sentenced  to  be 
hanged.     I  am  sorry  that  an  execution  is  to  take  place 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  •  125 

so  near  us.     It  wcnild  be  dreadful  even  if  far  off,  and  yet 
it  is  distressing  to  think  of  the  murders  committed. 

I  do  not  go  to  the  Town  Hall  to  hear  lectures,  as  I 
do  not  feel  like  going  with  the  crowd ;  but  if  I  were 
near  enough  to  3'ou  I  should  like  to  hear  some  of  your 
performances.  I  presume  thee  does  not  now  fail  to  an- 
swer questions  in  grammar,  unless  thee  is  embarrassed. 

I  fear  nu'  letter  may  seem  dr}-  to  thee.,  but  thee  will 
have  to  excuse  it,  remembering  that  I  am  old,  and  that 
I  do  not  see  so  many  things  to  animate  as  when  I  was 
young.  Especially  is  this  the  case  since  I  have  been 
deprived  of  the  company  of  thy  dear  grandfather,  who 
was  everything  to  me  to  make  life  comfortable. 

With  much  love  to  thee,  and  with  desires  for  thy 
best  welfare  in  every  way,  I  am  thy  affectionate  grand- 
mother, 

M.  S.  L. 

Second  Montli  7th,  i860. 

My  Dear  (rrandson  : — I  have  been  gratified  with 
seeing  thy  different  letters  to  notice  the  improvement, 
as  well  as  to  be  informed  of  thy  health  and  happiness. 

The   inclemency  of  the  weather  prevented  J from 

getting  to  see  thee  when  she  went  to  Philadelphia. 

We  are  progressing  pleasantly  and  harmoniously, 
and  I  think  we  never  enjoyed  school  more  than  we  do 
this  term. 

I  expect  to  go  to  Virginia  ;  leaving  home  on  Sixth- 
day  next,  to  be  absent  perhaps  nearly  two  weeks. 


126  •  Life  and  Letters  of 

Has  thee  been  able  to  keep  warm  out  of  doors  these 
cold  days  ?  I  hope  so,  for  it  is  needful  to  use  plenty  of 
exercise  in  the  fresh  air,  and  to  be  clad  so  as  not  to  take 
cold. 

I  want  thee  not  to  be  too  anxious  to  acquire  a  great 
deal  of  knowledge  in  a  short  time.  Remember  thy  age, 
and  that  there  must  be  a  physical  constitution  forming 
while  an  education  is  being  acquired.  These  should  be 
balanced,  that  a  sound  mind  may  inhabit  a  sound  body. 
An  eminent  scholar  woiild  not  like  to  embark  on  a 
voyage  of  discover}^  in  a  rickety  old  vessel ;  the  vessel 
should  be  properly  cared  for,  as  well  as  the  passenger, 
in  order  that  both  may  be  preserved. 

I  send  thee  a  little  "  pin  money,"  though  not  to  buy 
pins.  With  kindest  love  to  thee  I  am  thy  affectionate 
grandmother, 

M.  S.  L. 

Third  Month  6th,  i860. 
My  Dear  Grandson  :  —  I  returned  on  Second-day 
from  the  South.  Left  ni}^  brother  and  sister  indisposed, 
though  better.  My  neice,  C.  H.  M.,  buried  her  little 
son  while  I  was  there.  The  other  quite  ill  with  same 
disease,  a  catarrhal  affection.  I  enjoyed  mingling  with 
my  friends  and  relatives  ;  everybody  seenjed  glad  to  see 
me.  I  was  not  afraid  even  to  go  near  to  Harper's  Ferry. 
The  Quarterly  Meeting  was  unusually  large  ;  perhaps 
the  excited  people  wanted  to  hear  whether  or  not  Friends 
would  have  anything  to  say  about  John  Brown.     They 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  127 

heard  no  allusion  to  him  or  to  politics.     We  desire  noth- 
ing but  to  persuade  men  to  be  Christians. 

I  do  not  feel  able  to  write  much  to-day  as  I  am 
wear}'  from  traveling.  My  journe}-  was  performed  in 
cars,  stages  (over  bad  roads),  carriages,  sleighs,  and 
once  on  horse-back.  I  do  not  enjoy  the  traveling pait  of 
a  visit. 

I  hope  thee  keeps  well,  and  gets  along  comfortably 
to  thy  own  and  th}-  teacher's  satisfaction  ;  then  the  days 
passed  there  will  be  recurred  to  with  pleasure.  Please 
give  ni}'  love  to  the  two  families  and  to  such  of  the 
students  as  remember  me.     I  desire  the  welfare  of  all. 

With  love  I  am  thy  affectionate  grandmother, 

M.  S.  L. 

Third  Month  26th,  i860. 

My  Dear  Crraiidsoji  : — We  have  been  much  engaged 
and  have  had  a  good  deal  of  company.  I  have  not,  how- 
ever, been  unmindful  of  thee,  for  I  think  of  thee  often, 
and  desire  th}^  health,  happiness  and  progress  in  studj-. 
I  was  interested  to  hear  that  3'our  examination  was  com- 
ing off  soon.  Interested,  because  I  hoped  it  would  prove 
satisfactory  to  all. 

M}^  dear  child,  I  do  ver}'  much  want  to  see  thee, 
and  I  expect  thee  wants  a  little  recreation  at  home.  It 
speaks  well  for  thee  to  allude  so  favorably  to  thy  teach- 
er, to  the  school,  and  to  every  accommodation  there.  I 
think  thee  will  always  be  able  to  recur  with  pleasure  to 
the  time  passed  there,  and  I  feel  grateful  to  the  care- 
takers of  that  Institution  for  their  attention  to  thee. 


128  Life  and  Letters  of 

To-day  it  seems  as  if  winter  were  returning.  We 
have  had  the  cheering  music  of  birds  from  the  woods, 
and  frogs  from  the  waters,  adding  to  the  interest  of  a 
ride  or  a  walk.  These  now  must  hush,  and  await  the 
termination  of  the  snow-storm  and  the  howling  wind. 
What  a  change  from  yesterday  !  So  it  is  often  in  the 
spring  of  the  year. 

I  close  with  love  to  thee  and  to  the  two  families, 
and  remain  thy  affectionate  grandmother, 

M.  S.  Iv. 

[In  the  spring  of  i860,  Gwynedd  Boarding  School 
was  discontinued,  and  D.  P.  L.  went  to  Freeland,  Mont- 
gomery County,  Pennsylvania,  to  school.] 

Eighth  Month  17th,  i860. 

I  hope,  my  dear  D.,  that  thee  will  keep  well,  and 
be  able  to  progress  to  th}^  own  satisfaction,  and  to  do 
well  every  wny.  I  know  that  such  is  thy  desire  and 
intention,  and  I  have  confidence  to  believe  thee  will 
make  every  effort  in  thy  power.  [In  a  former  letter 
she  had  expressed  her  regret  at  his  having  to  leave 
Gwynedd,  and  go  among  strangers.] 

Now,  do  not  get  disheartened  if  any  tasks  are  hard, 
or  if  thee  does  not  come  up  to  what  thee  could  wish.  I 
have  no  doubt  of  thy  success  ;  and — health  permitting — 
I  have  confidence  in  the  prospect  that  thee  will  be  able 
to  engage,  at  the  proper  time,  in  some  useful  and  profita- 
ble business.     I.  and  J.  join   me  in  love  to  thee,  and  in 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  129 

our  interest  for  thee.  I  hope  that  thee  may  ever  find  in 
us  friends  who  desire  to  do  the  little  we  can  to  pave  thy 
way  to  manhood.  I  trust  my  prayers  will  ever  unite 
with  thine,  that  blessings  may  rest  upon  thee,  and  the 
meek  and  quiet  spirit  of  thy  father  be  thine.  Farewell, 
Thy  affectionate  grandmother, 

M.  S.  Iv. 

First  Month  2nd,   1861. 

My  Dear  Grandsoji  : — Did  thee  ever  see  more  beau- 
tiful days  than  were  the  last  of  last  year,  and  the  first 
of  this  ?  The  snow,  mantling  earth  and  trees,  and  the 
sun  by  day,  and  the  moon  and  stars  by  night,  making 
everything  glisten  with  gem-like  grandeur. 

To-day  is  the  time  appointed  b}'  President  Buchanan 
for  fasting  and  prayer.  I  believe  that  the  Most  High 
rec[uires  of  us,  not  for  a  day,  to  "  fast  for  strife,  and  de- 
bate, and  to  smite  with  the  fist  of  wickedness,"  but  to 
pray  without  ceasing,  day  by  day.  If  the  j^eople  were 
righteous,  and  engaged  in  prayer,  it  would  avail ;  for 
"  the  fervent,  effectual  prayer  of  a  righteous  man  avail- 
eth  much."  But  how  different  when  people  lay  down 
their  war-like  weapons,  their  war-like  speeches,  their 
strife  and  debate,/^;;-  a  day^  to  bow  down  the  head  as  a 
bullrush,  and  to-morrow  arm  themselves  as  fiercely  as 
ever.  This  is  not  the  way  to  call  down  a  blessing  upon 
our  cotintr3\  If  men  (in  power)  will  not  learn  wisdom, 
the  people  must  suffer.  If  those  who  are  citizens  will 
not  adhere  to  the  precepts  of  Jesus,  the  Gospel   spirit 


130  Life  and  Letters  of 

will  not  rule  in  our  land.  Surely  there  is  trouble  in  the 
camp.  If  might  were  right,  our  country  would  prosper 
still,  and  rise  above  all  other  nations  of  the  earth,  because 
of  our  liberal  institutions.  .  But,  then  the  rattling  of  the 
chains  of  the  Ijondman  would  no  more  grate  upon  our 
ears,  neither  would  the  man  at  the  bar  hand  forth  the 
poisonous  cup  to  the  weaklings  of  the  flock. 

I  do  not  know  of  au}-  news  of  importance.  The 
condition  of  our  country  seems  to  be  the  all-absorbing 
topic.  I  hope  our  voung  men  will  not  look  toward  war 
with  an  expectation  of  lending  their  aid.  Will  not  the 
people,  in  whose  power — humanly  speaking — it  is,  settle 
the  difficulties  amicabl3^  Slaver\^  has  ever  been  a  blight, 
and  if  war  should  grow  out  of  it,  it  will  be  a  ten-fold 
calamity. 

Write  when  thee  has  time.  With  love  I  am  thy 
affectionate  grandmother, 

M.  S.  L. 

Third  Month  8di,  1861. 
My  Dear  Grandson  : — How  is  thee  in  health,  and 
how  is  thee  getting  along  ?  We  want  to  know,  and  we 
want  to  see  thee.  I  have  had  many  cares  and  many 
anxieties,  as  our  school  has  not  been  so  large  as  usual, 
though  we  have  brighter  prospects  for  another  year,  and 
hope  all  is  right.  Thee  knows  in  such  a  concern  as  this 
there  miist  be  calculations  ahead,  and  anxiet}'-  to  be  lay- 
ing up  something  from  year  to  year.  I  hope  I  am  grate- 
ful for  my  favors.     I  also  hope  that  good  may  come  from 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  131 

the  turnings  and  overturnings  in  our  country.  I  hope 
there  will  not  be  war,  but  trust  to  Him  who  controls  the 
destinies  of  nations,  that  his  j)ower  may  stay  the  cruel 
oppressor's  hand.  A  countr}'  like  ours  ought  not  to  have 
the  stain  of  slavery  upon  its  robe.  All  men  are  born 
free  and  ecjual.  Let  all  have  their  rights.  It  ma}-  be 
a  work  of  time,  but  right  must  prevail. 

A.  R.  often  comes  in  to  talk  about  thee,  and  mani- 
fests much  interest  in  thy  comfort.  Other  friends  often 
inquire  about  thee — so  thee  is  not  ''  out  of  sight,  out  of 
mind." 

I  remain  thy  affectionate  and  well-wishing  grand- 
mother, 

M.  S.  L. 

Fitlli  Montli  2 1  St,  1 86 1. 
Afy  Dea)  (rra)idsu)i  : — I  received  th}^  very  accepta- 
ble letter  dul}-,  and  ought  to  have  written  to  thee  long 
ere  this,  but  the  state  of  the  countr}-,  the  trials  of  my 
near  relatives  in  the  South,  the  Yearly  Meeting,  and  ni}^ 
increased  school  duties  seemed  to  disarrange  my  plans 
for  attending  to  correspondence.  While  I  still  feel  a 
great  deal,  I  have  become  more  eas}^  under  it ;  trusting 
in  the  arm  of  Divine  Power  to  carry  on  his  own  work, 
and  in  the  way  to  produce  the  greatest  good  to  the 
people.  It  is  an  awful  da3%  but  who  could  expect  any 
other  than  that  it  must  come,  if  cruelty  and  oppression 
were  suffered  to  prevail  to  such  an  extent  ?  We  wait  the 
result  with  great  anxiety. 

I   hope   thee  is    progressing   with   thy  studies,  un- 


132    .  Life  and  Letters  of 

moved  by  the  sound  of  war,  or  of  the  trampling  of  horses 
rushing  to  the  field  of  battle.  It  is  a  fine  spring  to  be  in 
school,  the  weather  continues  to  be  so  cool  and  pleasant. 

Farmers  have  plenty  to  keep  them  busy,  and  I  am 
thankful  that  enough  remain  at  home  to  till  the  ground, 
and  to  attend  to  various  branches  of  peaceful  industry, 
so  that  our  future  wants  may  be  supplied.  Bat  I 
lament  over  our  people,  that,  blest  as  we  are  above 
all  the  nations  of  the  earth,  we  cannot  be  grateful  for 
our  prosperity,  and  live  as  brethren  on  an  equality,  in 
harmony  and  peace,  guaranteeing  to  one  another  rights 
and  privileges  that  are  due  to  all,  irrespective  of  nation, 
race  or  color.  Had  this  feeling  and  these  conditions 
existed  throughout  our  land,  instead  of  the  roar  of 
cannon  and  the  glitter  of  bayonets,  there  would  have 
been  the  anthem  of  ''  peace  on  earth  and  good  will 
toward  men."  Our  common  Father,  I  am  sure,  willed 
it  to  be  so,  and  nothing  is  lacking,  but  a  want,  on  our 
part,  of  obedience  to  his  will.  Disobedience  bringeth 
death,  and  all  manner  of  cruelties  and  oppression,  with 
their  concomitants,  sorrow  and  misery.  What  a  waste 
war  makes  of  life  and  property  ! 

We  shall  be  glad  to  hear  from  thee  soon.  With 
love,  I  remain  thy  interested  grandmother, 

M.  S.  Iv. 

Eighth  Month   14th,  1861. 
My  Dear  Grandson  : — Several  of  my  relatives  have 
come  from  Alexandria,  some  to  New  Jersey  and  some  to 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  133 

Pennsjdvania.  They  look  forward  to  returning  soon, 
and  now  are  hoping  to  be  able  to  remain  at  their  homes. 
I  have  lately  been  more  comfortable  concerning  them, 
still  feeling  confidence  in  the  Divine  Arm  that  is  able  to 
protect  them,  even  from  their  excited  opposers.  The 
beginning  of  this  struggle  has  indeed  been  terrible,  and 
what  the  end  may  be,  who  can  tell  ? 

If  men  would  only  learn  wisdom  by  the  things  they 
suffer — but  the  natural  man  is  always  the  same  ;  it  is 
only  the  Christian  that  changes  ;  and  if  mankind  ever 
embrace,  in  its  purity,  the  religion  of  Jesus  Christ,  wars 
and  fightings  will  cease,  and  harmony  everywhere  pre- 
vail. This  would  be  the  restoration  of  all  things  ;  and 
what  a  pity  that  such  is  not  now  the  condition  of  in- 
telligent beings,  made  but  a  little  lower  than  the  angels, 
and  intended  for  eternal  life  and  happiness.  Happiness 
in  time,  and  happiness  throughout  the  boundless  ages  of 
eternity. 

Th}^  loving  grandmother, 

M.  S.  L. 

Eleventh   Month  sth,   1861. 

Mv  Dear  (rrandson  :  —  Th}-  acceptable  letter  just 
received,  reminds  me  that  none  of  us  have  written  to 
thee  since  thy  return  to  school. 

Last  week  I  passed  in  Baltimore,  attending  the 
Yearly  Meeting.  My  brother  and  sister,  and  many  of 
my  friends  from  Maryland  and  Pennsylvania,  were  in 
attendance.     A'ery  few  came  from  Virginia,  none  being 


134  Life  and  Letters  of 

permitted  except  those  who  are  within  the  Government 
lines,  and  many  of  these  deemed  it  prudent,  in  these 
unsettled  times,  to  stay  at  home.  From  Louden  County 
four  men  came  without  asking  passes,  and  hoped  to 
return,  though  the  banished  and  refugees  are  not  per- 
mitted to  go  home  to  their  families. 

The  deprivations  of  those  within  the  Confederate 
lines  are  very  great.  Groceries  are  very  scarce,  and  salt 
is  nearl}^  all  used  up.  Coffee  is  fifty  cents  per  pound, 
and  the  commonest  sugar,  twenty  cents. 

We  had  pleasant  weather  and  an  excellent  Yearly 
Meeting.  Nothing  occurred  on  my  visit  to  annoy  me, 
except  that,  while  I  was  passing  through  Philadelphia, 
a  woman  got  her  hand  into  my  pocket,  and  succeeded  in 
stealing  my  watch.  I  could  not  account  for  her  behavior, 
but  did  not  think  of  my  watch  till  a  few  minutes  too 
late.  My  money  being  in  my  satchel  she  did  not  get 
that. 

I    am   sorr}^  that   ^-our  pupils    are   so  unsettled   by 

the  sound  of  war.     Oh  !  how  glad  I  should  be  to  have 

the  war  ended,  and  the  Government  peaceably  sustained. 

We  are  all  well  and  getting  along  very  pleasantly.     We 

have  forty  pupils,  twenty-one  of  them  boarders,  and  are 

expecting  more.     We  have  never  had  a  happier  company 

of  girls,  or  a   more   agreeable   time.      The    autumn    is 

delightful,  and  favors  late  pasture,  &c. 

I  remain,  with  love,  thy  same 

M.  S.  L. 

P.  S. — I  think  th}-  mind   is  settled  to  staj^  in  the 

quiet. 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  135 

First  Month  12th,  1862. 

My  Dear  Grandson  :  —  Kverytliing  would  seem 
pretty  cheerful,  if  it  were  not  for  the  times,  which  cast 
a  damp  over  all  ;  for  Ave  don't  know  what  is  to  be  done 
in  the  future,  nor  how  to  calculate  for  our  business.  It 
is  needful  to  deliberate  before  we  take  a  step  ;  the  move- 
ments seem  fraught  with  so  much  uncertainty.  In  the 
South  the  suffering  is  great,  and  the  deprivations  are 
many.  Even  the  innocent  have  to  suffer  for  the  neces- 
saries of  life,  on  account  of  scarcity  and  high  prices. 
In  Ivouden  our  friends  feel  their  wants,  yet  tr}^  to  keep 
in  the  patience.  As  they  can  send  only  open  letters 
they  do  not  write  the  worst.  Cotton  is  eighteen  and 
three-quarter  cents  per  spool ;  candles,  fifteen  cents  apiece. 
No  more  candle-wick,  and  some  have  ctit  up  their  cotton 
clothes-lines  to  make  wick.  No  more  kerosene  in  the 
stores,  and  no  calico,  &c. 

I  believe  our  friends  and  neighbors  are  generally 
well.  W.  C.  met  with  a  serious  accident  recently.  His 
horse  ran  awa}^,  threw  him  out  of  the  vehicle,  and  in- 
jured him  very  much.  It  is  now  thought  he  will  re- 
cover. All  were  well  at  thy  Uncle  W's  when  we  last 
heard. 

With  love,  and  with  desires  for  thy  health  and  best 
welfare,  I  am  th}'  affectionate  grandmother, 

M.  vS.  L. 
Second  Month  14th,  1862. 

Mr  Dear  Grandson  :  —  Thy  acceptable  letter  was 
duly  received,   and   it   claimed    our  interest,   more    than 


136  Life  and  Letters  of 

usual,  by  expressions  of  sympathy  with  thee,  though 
late,  as  it  appeared  thee  had  well  nigh  recovered  from 
the  measles.  Thee  must,  indeed,  have  felt  lonely  and 
desolate  with  such  disease  upon  thee,  and  among 
strangers.  I  should  have  felt  very  anxious  if  I  had 
known  it  at  the  time.  I  do  hope  that  thee  has  not  taken 
any  cold,  and  that  thee  will  be  careful  of  thy  eyes,  for 
they  may  be  weak  for  some  time,  as  such  is  often  the 
case  after  that  disease. 

I  approve  of  thy  plan  of  going  to  college,  and  leav- 
ing the  other  arrangement  at  present.     We  are  getting 
thy  things  ready  for  thee.     All  join  in  love. 
Thy  affectionate  grandmother, 

M.  S.  Iv. 

Fourth  Month  6th,  1S62. 
My  J)rai-  draiidsnu  : — Last  evening  I  received  thy 
acceptable  letter,  announcing  thy  safe  arrival  [at  Exeter, 
N.  H.]  It  was  gratifying  to  hear  from  thee,  for  we  had 
thought  and  talked  much  about  thee,  thinking  of  thy 
lonely  journey,  and  then  arriving  at  the  end  of  it, 
amongst  friends,  unknown  and  untried.  Yet,  we  had 
faith  to  believe  that  thee  would  get  on  without  difficulty, 
and  that — health  permitting — all  would  be  well.  I  am 
glad  to  learn  that  appearances  are  favorable,  and  that 
thy  boarding  place  promises  fair.  If  the  family  should 
prove  to  be  pleasant,  it  will  be  more  home-like  to  be 
there  than  it  would  to  be  where  there  are  many ;  espe- 
cialh'  if  an}'  in  the  large  establishment  should  be  given 


Mary  S.  Lippincott,  137 

to  misdemeanor.  I  am  not  partial  to  rigorous  ruling, 
though  I  love  discipline  and  order.  A  few  rules,  and 
these  well  obeyed,  are  far  better  than  too  many  ;  and  I 
believe  kind  and  social  intercourse  between  preceptor 
and  pupils,  with  private  admonition  when  needed,  estab- 
lishes confidence,  and  a  disposition  to  govern  with  love 
on  one  part,  and  to  obey  with  cheerfulness  and  simplicity 
on  the  other ;  thus  making  school  a  pleasant  place,  and 
every  dut}'  in  connection  with  it,  interesting  to  perform. 
I  think,  too,  that  the  more  we  love  our  Heavenly  Father, 
and  the  more  we  desire  to  serve  and  please  Him,  the 
more  we  shall  love  his  creatures,  and  the  greater  will 
be  the  kindness  and  tenderness  which  we  manifest  to- 
wards each  other.  Especially  will  this  be  the  case  with 
those  having  charge  of  young  people.  It  is  better  to 
lead  than  to  drive.  If  teachers  are  led  by  the  unerring 
spirit  of  Truth,  they  will  dwell  in  the  light,  and  walk 
in  the  light,  thus  becoming  leaders  that  do  not  cause  the 
people  to  err,  and  agents  in  the  Divine  Hand  in  raising 
the  young  into  life,  and  letting  them  fall  just  in  the 
niche  the}^  were  ordained  to  fill.  Hardened,  indeed, 
must  be  the  youth  that  will  not  follow  in  such  a  pleas- 
ant and  promising  path.  In  that  peaceful  path,  God's 
love  and  grace  abound  to  sustain  the  wayfarer,  and  set- 
tle the  mind  with  composure,  let  come  what  will.  I, 
indeed,  have  great  cause  to  acknowledge  that  the  Lord 
has  been  my  support  when  I  could  look  nowhere  else 
for  an^' ;  and  I  have  no  doubt  that,  at  thy  early  age, 
thine  can  be  the  same  acknowledgment. 

10 


138  Life  and  Letters  of 

I  have  no  fears  of  thy  being  expelled  from  the  school, 
and  if  thy  health  should  not  suffer  from  too  close  appli- 
cation, I  shall  feel  easy.  The  climate  there  being  so 
much  colder  than  ours  at  this  season,  I  hope  thee  will 
be  careful  to  dress  warm  enough. 

I  have  often  heard  that  the  New  England  villages 
are  picturesque,  having  an  abundance  of  shade,  &c. 
The  people,  too,  are  persevering,  and  know  how  to  earn 
a  livelihood.  They  are  to  be  esteemed  for  this,  as  it 
makes  them  valuable  as  a  class  of  citizens. 

I  hope  that  thee  will  be  well  satisfied  with  having 
chosen  to  go  there,  also  that  thee  may  be  able  to  pass 
the  time  profitably  during  the  vacation  of  the  school. 

We  shall  always  be  glad  to  hear  from  thee.  With 
unabated  interest,  I  remain  thy  affectionate  grandmother. 

M.  S.  L. 

Fifth  Month  6th,  1862. 

My  Dear  Grandson  : — I  have  not  written  as  soon 
as  I  should  have  done.  The  distressing  state  of  affairs 
in  our  country,  and  the  pressure  in  business  matters 
resulting  therefrom ;  the  slain  on  the  battle  fields,  of 
the  sons  of  our  people,  the  desolate  homes  of  the  widow 
and  the  orphan,  the  suffering  of  the  sick  and  wounded 
who  are  pining  away  in  the  hospitals — these  things 
combine  to  almost  disqualify  me  for  the  regular  routine 
of  business,  and  for  the  use  of  my  pen  as  in  times  gone  by. 

The  cause  of  all  this  great  trouble,  and  slaughter 
and  devastation ;   indeed  of  the  evils  and  wretchedness 


Mary  S.  Lippiqcott.  139 

that  are  in  the  world,  has  been  man's  revolt  from  his 
Maker.  He  has  disobeyed  that  inward  language  of  im- 
pression, "  If  thou  doest  well,  shalt  thou  not  be  accepted  ? 
and  if  thou  doest  not  well,  sin  lieth  at  the  door."  What 
happiness  all  might  enjoy  in  this  life,  and  in  anticipa- 
tion of  the  joys  to  come  in  the  eternal  world,  if  only  all 
would  hear  and  obey,  that  their  souls  might  live.  This 
earth  might  be  as  a  paradise  ;  for  those  trials  and  depri- 
vations, incident  to  a  state  of  probation,  would  be  received 
as  good  things  in  the  wisdom  of  Providence,  and  hence 
they  would  not  render  us  unhappy. 

I  desire  for  myself,  and  for  the  human  family,  that 
we  may  increasingly  set  a  right  value  on  human  life, 
its  uses  and  intentions  ;  and  therefore  prize  our  privi- 
leges and  number  our  blessings. 

We  often  talk  about  thee,  and  we  all  feel  deeply 
interested  in  thy  welfare.     I  never  doubt  thy  doing  well. 

Farewell,  with  love  and  desires  for  thy  continued 
improvement. 

I  am  thy  affectionate  grandmother, 

M.  S.  L. 

Seventh  Month  7th,  1862. 

My  Dear  Grandson  : — Take  good  care  of  th3\self ; 
follow  that  inward  guide  which  leads  in  the  way  of  right- 
eousness and  peace — the  way  of  justice,  humility  and 
truth ;  and  all  will  be  well  with  thee,  let  what  may  at- 
tend thee. 

I  hope  thee  will  have  a  pleasant  trip,  and  see  the 


140  Life  and  Letters  of 

natural  beauties  of  New  England,  not  failing  to  observe 
the  industrious  habits  of  her  sturdy  sons  and  frugal 
daughters. 

We  often  think  of  thee  with  deep  interest,  desiring 
thy  prosperity  and  happiness,  and  thy  advancement  in 
the  way  that  leads  to  usefulness. 

In  haste,  and  with  love  from  all,  I  am  thy  affection- 
ate grandmother, 

M.  S.  Iv. 

Twelfth  Month   13th,  1862. 

My  Dear  Grandson  : — I  did  see  Asa's  letter  from 
thee,  also  one  to  him  from  G.  L.  S.,  mentioning  thy 
programme  and  speaking  in  kindly  terms  of  thy  de- 
portment and  progress  in  study  while  at  his  school. 
Thy  letter  to  me  was  also  received. 

The  business  arrangements  will  be  properly  at- 
tended to,  and  provision  made  in  case  of  thy  not  return- 
ing, though  I  hope  that  we  jnay  see  them  again. 

That  thee  will  experience  pretty  fully  the  privations 
and  hardships  of  a  life  in  the  navy,  I  have  no  doubt ; 
but  to  be  fortified  for  these,  and  to  bear  them  patiently, 
will  make  them  supportable  and  lessons  of  self-reliance. 
By  looking  to  the  great  and  good  Spirit  as  the  alone 
true  guide  and  director  in  all  that  is  right,  lessons  of 
this  kind  may  be  abundantly  spread  before  thee  while 
tossing  to  and  fro  upon  the  boisterous  ocean,  with  the 
port  far  distant,  and  probably  unknown.  We  are  all  on 
the  ocean  of  life  during  our  earthly  sojourn — some  on 


Mary  S.  Lippiqcott.  141 

the  brill}'  deep  and  others  on  ten-a  firma.  All  are  in 
danger  of  shipwreck  if  not  vigilant  on  the  lookont  ;  or 
if  we  have  not  efficient  strength  and  a  trusty  Helmsman 
to  man  our  little  barks.  In  time  of  storm  and  danger 
we  should  have  a  present  Saviour  to  call  upon,  who  can 
arise  and  rebuke  the  winds,  and  command  an  immediate 
calm.  Many  are  the  storms  of  life,  but  the  Great  Pilot 
who  rules  the  tempest  as  He  does  the  calm,  often,  when 
the  elements  are  in  fierce  strife,  and  the  raging  seas 
threaten  to  overwhelm  our  little  bark,  teaches  us  lessons 
which  in  the  quiet  we  should  never  have  learned.  But 
a  seaman's  life  is  one  of  peril  —  one  of  instability  and 
change,  and  a  figJitiiig  sailor  knows  not  when  a  for- 
midable foe  may  attack,  sending  his  body  to  a  watery 
grave  and  his  soul  to  the  invisible  future.  To  live  so  as 
to  be  ready  to  depart  in  peace  is  the  great  business  of 
life,  and  I  know  of  no  other  way  to  attain  this  state  than 
to  keep  a  conscience  void  of  offense  toward  God  and 
toward  man.  In  the  New  Testament  the  life  and  char- 
acter of  the  Christian  is  set  forth,  as  well  as  the  design 
of  man's  existence,  &c.  He  is  to  glorify  his  Heavenly 
Father  in  this  life,  that  he  may  enjoy  Him  evermore  in 
unmixed  felicity. 

I  do  not  know  .that  in  my  day  this  once  favored 
country  will  again  be  blest  with  peace  and  prosperity  ; 
but  I  trust  we  shall  find  a  portion  of  happiness,  and  be 
the  partakers  of  many  of  the  good  gifts  of  a  bountiful 
Giver.  Gratitude  should,  therefore,  prevail  in  our  hearts, 
and  a  desire  that  He  will  teach  us  wisdom  and  give  us 


142  Life  and  Letters  of 

understaudiiig,  that  we  may  know  his   mind    and   will 
concerning  ns. 

I  suppose  thee  saw  the  eclipse  of  the  moon.  Our 
large  famil}^  were  up  some  time  observing  it.  It  was  a 
beautiful,  clear  night,  the  snow  adding  splendor  to  all 
around.  When  thee  writes  again  we  shall  be  glad  to 
know  what  position  thee  has,  th}"  engagements,  &c., 
that  we  ma}^  think  how  it  fares  with  thee,  and  know  the 
destination  of  the  vessel.  It  is  an  awful  thing  to  think 
of  the  war  that  is  desolating  our  land.  I  desire  not  in 
any  ivay  to  encourage  its  continuance,  believing,  as  I  do, 
that  it  is  not  the  design  of  the  great  and  good  Being 
that  men  should  destroy  one  another. 

I  hope  thee  will  have  books  to  read,  and  that  thee 
may  keep  thy  conversation  chaste  and  coupled  with 
fear,  so  as  not  to  be  influenced  by  any  surrounding 
circumstances,  and  especially  b\^  the  hard  language  so 
often  used  by  the  sailors. 

With  love,  and  desires  for  thy  preservation,  I  am 
thy  affectionate  grandmother, 

M.  S.  L. 

Third  Month  gth,  1863. 
My  Dear  Grandson  : — On  the  .7th  instant  I  received 
thy  acceptable  letter  dated  Second  Month  15th,  and  was 
very  glad,  once  again,  to  hear  from  thee.  I  should  have 
written  again,  but  was  not  sure  of  the  right  direction, 
therefore  waited  anxiously,  desiring  to  receive  intelli- 
gence from  thee.     Your  situation  seems  perilous,  both 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  143 

on  account  of  3'our  isolation  and  the  leakiness  of  the 
vessel.  There  are  so  man}-  vessels  afloat  in  Government 
service,  that  we  supposed  you  were  with  a  fleet. 

Deliverance  from  the  present  thraldom  nmj'  come, 
and  zt'il/,  I  trust,  if  people  humble  themselves,  and 
call  upon  a  Power  higher  than  man's  to  control  events, 
to  deliver  the  captive  from  cruel  bondage,  and  to  bring- 
about  a  peace  not  to  be  again  disturbed.  Maybe  good 
will  grow  out  of  the  evil  ;  for  in  the  North  the  slave 
system  has  been  so  sanctioned  and  sustained  that  we 
have  partaken  of  her  sins,  and  must  therefore  receive  of 
her  plagues. 

I  am  glad  thee  keeps  well,  and  am  pleased  that  a 
situation  more  favorable  for  improvement  offers.  I  hope 
thy  great  care  will  be  to  improve  thy  mind  and  protect 
th}^  morals.  No  doubt  thee  is  exposed  to  profane  and 
coarse  language,  but  let  it  not  influence  thee  to  depart 
from  that  which  is  chaste  and  becoming  in  the  most 
refined  society. 

Should  you  get  to  Philadelphia  next  month,  as  I 
hope  3'OU  may,  we  shall  be  ver}^  glad  to  see  thee.  Thy 
mother  is  very  anxious  to  hear  from  thee,  and  no  doubt 
more  so  to  see  thee.  Siuce  thee  left  Moorestown  there 
have  been  many  changes  by  removals,  marriages  and 
deaths.     I  believe  thy  relatives  are  as  well  as  usual. 

The  birds  are  beginning  to  sing.  I  suppose  that 
you,  in  that  southern  climate,  have  warm  weather  nearly 
all  the  time.  I  should  think  the  constant  motion  of  a 
vessel  would  be  unpleasant  to  the  head  ;  but  there  is  a 


144  Life  and  Letters  of 

great  deal  in  use.  I  wish  tliee  could  have  some  of  our 
apples  and  other  edibles  ;  do  you  have  pretty  comforta- 
ble provisions  ?  I  know  thee  is  not  particular,  and  is 
easily  satisfied  with  regard  to  food ;  but  a  wholesome 
variety  never  conies  amiss.  I  hope  thee  may  not  have 
to  go  to  battle.  Oh  !  how  it  would  comfort  the  feelings, 
on  returning  from  the  navy,  to  have  hands  unstained 
with  blood. 

We  often   talk   about   thee,  and  wonder  where  thee 
is,  and  how  thee  fares. 

With  desires  for  thy  preservation,  I  am  thy  affec- 
tionate grandmother, 

M.  S.  Iv. 

Fifth  Month  4th,  1S63. 
My  Dear  Grandson  : — I  received  thy  truly  accepta- 
ble and  very  interesting  letter,  in  less  than  two  weeks 
after  it  was  written.  I  should  have  replied  immediately, 
but  I  have  had  so  much  headache  this  spring  that  my 
daily  round  of  duties  seemed  to  be  about  as  much  as  I 
was  able  to  perform.  But  I  have  remembered  thee  none 
the  less  ;  for  very,  very  often,  by  day  and  by  night,  do 
I  think  of  thee  tossing  on  the  unstable  element,  isolated 
from  female  society,  and  deprived  of  the  luxuries,  and  of 
many  of  the  conveniences  of  life.  How  I  long  for  the 
termination  of  this  war.  How  unwise  has  been  the 
course  pursued  by  the  South,  that  might  have  been 
made  prosperous  and  happy,  had  they  been  content  with 
the  best  government  in  the  world  ;  and  been  willing  to 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  145 

liberate  themselves  from  the  evil  of  slaver3\  I  pity 
them  for  their  ignorance,  or  whatever  else  it  was,  that 
caused  them  to  rush  onward  to  destruction  and  desola- 
tion.  I  sympathize  with  the  destitute  among  them — 
women  and  children  suffering  great  deprivations,  while 
husbands  and  fathers  are  on  the  battle-field.  Well,  they 
and  we  are  in  it — in  war  and  in  slavery  ;  and  1  still  be- 
lieve that  the  two  must  end  together,  or  else  we  shall 
have  onl}^  an  uncertain  peace. 

Many  friends  inquire  for  thee  with  much  interest, 
and  I  believe  desire  thy  health  and  happiness,  and  will 
be  glad  to  see  thee  again,  if  thee  can  be  favored  to  get 
home. 

I  hope  that  you  will  not  have  to  join  the  battles  on 
sea ;  I  dread  them  so  much. 

I  do  not  know  of  any  interesting  news,  and  I  can- 
not send  thee  anything  good  that  I  know  of,  or  indeed 
thee  would  often  get  some  of  the  comforts  of  the  table. 

With  much  love,  and  with  desires  for  thy  preserva- 
tion in  innocency,  and  for  thy  health  and  happiness,  I 
conclude,  and  remain  thy  affectionate  grandmother, 

M.  vS.  L. 

Sixth  Month  3rd,  1869. 
My  Dear  Grandson  : — I  did  not  intend  to  let  so 
much  time  pass  by  without  again  writing  to  thee,  but 
my  many  close  engagements  must  be  my  apology.  I 
often  think  of  thee,  this  busy  season,  when,  to  make  a 
living,  so  many  have  to  earn  their  bread  by  the  sweat  of 


146  Life  and  Letters  of 

their  face.  But  honest  bread  is  sweet,  and  it  matters  not 
much  how  closel}^  occupied  we  are,  mentally  or  physically, 
so  that  we  "  pitch  upon  that  course  of  life  which  is  most 
useful,  and  habit  will  in  time  render  it  most  agreeable." 
I  have  faith  that  in  the  most  part  this  is  true,  even 
though  at  times  w^e  may  sigh  for  deliverance  from  a  bur- 
den that  presses  heavily  ;  yet,  as  we  look  around  us, 
and  see  a  plodding  multitude  more  unfavorably  circum- 
stanced, and  engaged  in  occupations  less  pleasing  to  us 
than  our  own,  and  seemingl}^  having  greater  cause  for 
unhappiness  than  ourselves,  we  learn  to  be,  at  least 
measurably,  contented  with  our  present  lot. 

I  hope  that  circumstances  may  favor  thy  getting 
pennaiieiiilY  fixed,  without  having  to  anticipate  changes. 
If  thee  can  be  engaged  in  fruit  growing,  without  undue 
encroachment  upon  th}^  studies,  it  may  be  well ;  and 
when  ready  to  enter  upon  the  practice  of  law,  perhaps 
thee  may  establish  thyself  where  thee  is,  and  find  the 
environment  as  agreeable  as  the  home  of  thy  childhood. 
I  often  think  it  is  not  a  matter  of  great  moment  whether 
we  are  amongst  our  relatives  or  strangers  ;  for  if  we  con- 
duct ourselves  as  we  ought,  we  find  friends — whether 
our  kindred  or  not — who  cheer  and  gladden  our  lives 
by  kindness  and  affection.  Though  we  have  had  a  very 
cold  spring,  yet  the  abundance  of  rain  has  favored  the 
growth  of  vegetation,  and  everything  with  the  farmer 
seems  to  promise  fair.  Strawberries  are  plentiful  in  the 
market,  and  our  own  are  beginning  to  ripen.     Our  school 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  147 

is  to  continue  four  weeks  after  this,  and  then  we  are  to 
have  a  vacation  of  twelve  wrecks. 

We  have  a  First-da}-  school  at  our  meeting-house, 
on  First-day  afternoons,  and  a  Reading  Association  on 
Third-day  evenings,  in  both  of  which  I  am  interested. 
I  have  often  looked  at  the  lads,  since  I  have  been  a  resi- 
dent of  Moorestown,  and  ni}-  heart  has  warmed  at  the 
thought  that  these  are  to  be  our  future  men  ;  and  ni}- 
desire  has  been  that  the}^  may  be  trained  up  in  the  way 
they  should  go,  that  in  manhood  the  Good  Being  should 
have  possession  of  their  hearts,  in  order  that  their  course 
may  be  directed  aright.  Then  would  there  be  wanting 
wise  men  to  save  a  cit\'  or  a  countr^^  ?  Surely  not.  So 
at  least  I  think,  for  I  have  great  confidence  in  a  guarded 
education,  and  in  the  social  mingling  of  old  and  young, 
that  a  close  iutimac}^  between  these  two  classes  may  be 
established  ;  that  experience  and  activity  may  go  hand 
in  hand,  age  being  enlivened  by  youth,  and  youth  stead- 
ied by  age  ;  and  that,  as  their  interests  are  identical, 
their  sentiments  should  harmonize  on  all  matters  of 
vital  importance.  The  farther  I  advance  on  the  journey 
of  life,  the  more  anxious  I  am  to  see  a  host  of  men  and 
women  doing  all  the  good  they  can  in  the  world,  in  their 
e very-day  life. 

Our  country  has  passed  through  a  sore  ordeal,  but 
everything  now  favors  prosperity  and  happiness,  if  only 
there  is  a  sincere  intention  on  the  part  of  those  in 
power,  and  of  business  men  as  well,  to  pursue  a  right 
course,  and  to  regard  the  common  weal  as  paramount  to 


148  Life  and  Letters  of 

all  selfish  intrigues  and  over-reaching  avarice.  I  am 
aware  that  there  is  much  corruption,  and  that  vice  and 
immorality  are  making  fearful  strides  ;  but  we  may  take 
comfort  in  the  assurance  that  where  sin  abounded,  grace 
did  much  more  abound.  1  believe  in  abounding  grace 
to  redeem  from  pollutions,  and  to  save  ;  and  this  belief^ 
together  with  the  hope  that  there  are  enough  good  men 
to  bear  up  above  the  flood  of  corruption,  leads  me  to 
anticipate  brighter,  better  and  happier  da3's  for  these 
United  States. 

The  time  ma}^  come  when  thee  can  visit  us,  and  see 
for  thyself  the  many  changes  that  have  occurred.  Thee 
will  find  some  improvements,  some  strippings,  and  many 
of  us  traveling  the  down-hill  of  life.  Can  thee  see  thy 
grandmother  sitting  in  the  library,  writing  to  thee ; 
thy  grandfather's  picture  hanging  there  so  smiling ; 
and  the  books,  &c.  Wouldn't  thee  like  to  be  here  a 
little  while  ?  I  should  be  so  glad  to  see  thee,  the  only 
male  representative  bearing  the  name  of  Lippincott  in  my 
family.  Well,  dear  child,  continue  to  bear  it  honorably, 
and  then  thee  will  meet  those  in  Heaven  who  were  bound 
to  thee  by  kindred  ties  on  earth.  Yes,  and  thee  will  also 
be  happy  in  time,  during  the  days  and  years  that  may 
be  allotted  to  thee  in  this  state  of  existence.  While  I 
live  thee  may  rest  assured  that  there  is  one  whose  in- 
terest in  thy  prosperity  and  happiness  cannot  be  lessened. 
Accept  my  love  and  sympathy  with  thy  every  privation 
and  hardship,  and  think  of  me  as 

Thy  affectionate  grandmother, 

M.  S.  L. 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  149 

Ninth   Month   i6th,   1S69. 

My  Dear  Grandson  : — Thy  letter  is  just  received. 
We  were  very  anxious  to  hear  from  thee,  for  we  feel 
sympathy  with  thee  in  thy  illness,  hut  hope  that  the  hot 
season  will  soon  be  succeeded  by  weather  favoring  thy 
recovery.  I  often  think  that  sickness  is  a  service  for 
our  profit ;  and  the  purpose  that  it  should  serve  is  to 
raise  our  thoughts  from  this  life  to  that  which  is  to  come 
—  this,  so  short  and  uncertain,  the  other,  ever-enduring. 

I  am  much  improved  in  health,  but  my  head  is  still 
weak,  and  the  continued  heat  affects  me  —  particularly 
in  the  middle  of  the  day,  and  my  hand  continues  un- 
steady from  that  cause.  I  hope  I  am  thankful  that  I  am 
so  much  better,  for  I  desire  to  be  restored  and  spared 
longer  to  my  precious  children.  But  we  must  all  of  us, 
in  all  things,  endeavor  after  resignation  to  the  Divine 
will.  In  this  there  is  patience  to  endure  all  things,  and 
to  await  every  event. 

Jane  seems  much  better,  but  whether  or  not  the  im- 
provement is  permanent,  we  must  wait  to  see.  Margaret 
is  well.  We  are  to  open  school  on  the  27th  instant. 
Schools  have  so  multiplied,  that  few  are  filled  as  tliej^ 
were  formerly,  and  the  few  are  those  in  which  the  ac- 
complishments are  taught. 

I  cannot  write  much  this  time,  as  my  head  is  pain- 
ful. My  fervent  desires  are  for  thy  welfare,  and  mj- 
hope  is  that  thy  health  may  soon  be  restored.  I  hope, 
too,  that  I  shall  be  better  able  to  write. 

Farewell,  my  dear  grandson.     May  the  Lord  keep 


150  Life  and  Letters  of 

thee  and  bless  thee.     My  love  to  the  good,  kind  family 
with  whom  is  thy  sojourn. 

I  am  thy  affectionate  grandmother, 

M.  S.  L. 

Eighth  Mondi  2Sth,  1879. 
My  Dear  Grandson  : — I  have  been  thinking  a  great 
deal  about  thee  and  thine — more  than  usual  for  some 
weeks  past,  though  I  trust  I  do  not  lose  sight  of  you,  nor 
suffer  my  love  for  you  to  wane,  however  long  my  silence 
may  have  been.  The  heat  has  been  great,  and  it  has 
been  accompanied  by  misty  days,  which  were  very  de- 
bilitating. This  condition  of  the  weather,  together  with 
a  rheumatic  lameness  in  my  right  arm,  disinclines  me  to 
write,  even  though  ni}^  desires  to  do  so  are  very  strong. 
I  have  been  much  at  home  for  the  past  year,  being  less 
able  to  bear  carriage-riding  than  I  was  formerly.  Re- 
member, I  have  passed  the  seventy-eighth  mile-stone  on 
my  pilgrimage  through  this  world  of  lights  and  shadows. 
My  pathway  has  been  diversified  with  joys  and  sorrows, 
and  mau}^  companions  with  whom  I  have  traveled  in 
close  intimac}^  have  gone  over  the  river  before  me,  leaving 
a  blank  that  nothing  below  can  ever  fill.  Yes,  but  the 
loveliness  of  God's  earth  remains,  and  many  lovely  and 
beloved  j^ounger  people.  A  few  in  the  gray  white  of 
winter's  frost,  more  in  the  sear  of  autumn,  and  man 3^, 
very  many,  in  the  loveliness  of  youth  and  buoyant 
childhood.  Toward  all  of  these — but  most  especially  to 
the  youth — my  heart  bounds  with  a.  feeling  of  love  and 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  151 

good  will  which  bids  them  pursue  the  path  of  upright- 
ness, and  labor  that  the  world  may  be  better  because 
they  have  lived  in  it. 

It  may  seem  late  to  tell  thee  of  the  number  of  our 
friends  and  neighbors  who  were  and  are  not,  but  who,  I 
trust,  live  forever  in  the  Celestial  City.  Thy  uncle, 
David  Walton  and  wife  and  myself,  are  the  only  ones  of 
that  generation  remaining.  They  are  living  in  Virginia, 
and,  as  they  do  not  incline  to  travel,  we  seldom  meet. 
It  would  be  a  pleasure  to  me  to  meet  him  once  more  and 
talk  over  the  happy  days  of  the  past.  For  about  two 
years  he  was  an  inmate  of  our  family,  and  as  he  was 
then  a  childless  widower,  thy  dear,  good  father  and  he 
roomed  together.  Thy  attracfhi\  aviiahle^  good  father 
was  then  a  boy  from  twelve  to  fourteen  years  old.  The 
good  qualities  of  his  boyhood  ever  remained  with  him, 
and  his  lovelineness  and  lovableness  continued  with 
him  to  the  end  of  his  earthly  career.  Just  before  passing 
away,  when  taking  leave  of  his  father,  he  said  :  "  Thee 
has  been  a  dear,  good  father  to  me.  There  has  never 
been  an  unkind  word  or  a  hard  thought  between  us." 
To  which  we  could  both  reply,  "  Thee  has  been  a  dear, 
good  son." 

Well,  he  passed  on  to  a  higher  life  early  ;  in  his 
twenty-eighth  year,  happy  and  resigned  ;  a  great  loss  to 
survivors,  but  as  he  said,  "  I  shall  miss  much  trouble." 
His  sensitive  mind  was  grieved  to  see  suffering  and 
to  know  of  wrong-doing;  and  such  sights  and  such 
knowledge  are  the  experience  of  the  observant.      He  had 


152  Life  and  Letters  of 

led  an  innocent  and  useful  life,  and  being  assured  of  a 
clear  record,  he  was  not  afraid  to  face  the  just  Judge. 
Oh,  what  a  blessing  to  him,  and  what  a  comfort  to  sur- 
vivors, that  he  should  have  this  assurance  when  the 
awful  period  arrived.  I  had  buried  four  sons  before  him, 
and  he  was  as  dear  to  me  as  they  were  ;  yea,  more  dear 
as  a  companion,  for  he  was  older  (the  oldest  of  the 
others  was  in  his  ninth  year  when  he  died),  and  a 
kinder  brother  to  little  boys  and  girls,  and  one  more 
loved  b^^  them  could  not  be.  His  kindness  I  can  never 
forget,  nor  his  fondness  for  children.  If  ever  so  busy 
he  must  take  up  the  little  ones  in  his  arms  to  caress 
them  ;  and  when  they  were  sick  he  was  a  most  affec- 
tionate and  efficient  nurse.  Tell  thy  dear,  little  Isaac, 
that  he  had  another  nice  grandfather,  younger  than  thee 
now  is,  when  the  Heavenly  Father  took  him  to  heaven. 
We  have  no  visible  likeness  of  him  ;  but  on  my  memory 
I  have  the  impress,  fresh,  ever  fresh.  Thee  shall  have 
thy  grandfather's  likeness  and  mine,  also  those  of  thy 
aunt's,  if  we  can  arrange  to  get  them  taken  while  we  all 
live,  which  I  hope  we  can. 

We  are  very  glad  you  all  keep  well.  We  have 
watched  the  papers,  hoping  that  the  fever  would  not 
spread  and  reach  Cairo.  I  am  much  gratified  to  learn 
that  circumstances  direct  thy  course  to  teaching  and  to 
study  ;  believing  it  increases  thy  usefulness  to  be  en- 
gaged in  that  wa3\  For  years  past,  thee  must  have 
had  a  busj-  life,  including  thy  clerkship ;  but  when 
business    is    profitable,   it    makes    the    labor    seem    less 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  153 

wearisome.  I  suppose  thy  farming  is  carried  on  by 
proxy  ;  this  answers  quite  well,  if  a  watchful  e3^e  takes 
cognizance  from  da}^  to  day.  I  have  never  thought  that 
work  on  a  farm  would  be  adapted  to  thy  constitution. 

If  I  were  ten  years  younger  and  had  ample  means, 
I  should  not  long  delay  a  visit  to  you  in  your  own  home. 
Aunties,  too,  would  love  to  go  as  much  as  I  should.  If 
we  had  seen  you  there,  just  once,  we  should  then  be 
able  to  look  in  upon  you  with  the  mind's  eye,  and  see 
you  just  as  you  are.  Tell  little  Isaac  that  we  intend  to 
send  our  pictures  before  long ;  we  also  hope  to  see  him 
and  his  mother  face  to  face,  sometime  ere  we  pass  away. 
Farewell !  With  our  united  love  to  you  all. 
Thy  affectionate  grandmother, 

M.  S.  L. 

Tenth  Month  ist,  1883. 
My  Dear  Grandson  : — I  am  aware  that  it  is  a  long 
time  since  I  have  written  to  thee,  as  I  do  not  write  much 
of  late  years,  and  less  each  year.  But,  could  thought 
reach  thee  in  words,  there  would  be  no  lack  of  intelli- 
gence or  communication,  for  I  keep  in  remembrance 
those  loved  and  cherished  in  childhood,  in  youth,  and  in 
old  age  —  those  who  still  live,  and  many,  ver}^  many, 
gone  from  this  world  to  a  future  home.  Yes,  I  seek 
their  presence,  and  they  pass  before  my  mental  vision 
in  their  loveliness  as  seen  when  present,  and  often  a 
momentary  joy  flashes  over  me  as  though  a  sweet  com- 
mingling were  realized.  I  hope  this  maj'  ever  continue 
11 


154  Life  and  Letters  of 

while  memory,  the  mirror  of  the  mind,  remains  nntar- 
nished,  for  it  makes  voids  less  felt,  and  removes,  par- 
tially at  least,  a  loneliness,  a  sadness,  that  intrudes  at 
seasons,  as  the  separations  are  realized.  Many  are  in 
far  distant  places,  and  many  more  have  passed  to  the 
spirit-land. 

At  my  age  I  cannot  visit  much — not  even  a  few 
miles  off  —  without  headache  and  fatigue.  So,  loving 
home,  and  enjoying  this  beautiful  world,  as  I  have  in 
consecutive  years  from  my  infancy  onward  ;  I  remember 
the  many  blessings  and  favors  dispensed,  and  that  my 
life  has  been  brightened  by  the  company  of  those  around 
me.  Yes,  life  has  its  pleasures  renewed  day  b}-  day, 
and  for  these,  gratitude  fills  my  heart  to  the  Supreme 
Giver  of  all  Good,  and  the  stream  of  his  universal  love 
flows  out  toward  all  who  live,  accompanied  by  a  fervency 
of  desire  that  every  soul  may  be  separated  from  sin,  may 
be  redeemed,  fitted  and  prepared  for  the  true  enjoyment 
of  life  here  (the  intention,  no  doubt,  of  the  Creator) 
upon  the  terms  of  obedience  to  the  Spirit  of  Truth,  and 
the  full  fruition  of  bliss  in  the  spirit-world — peace  and 
joy  forever. 

The  neuralgia,  from  which  I  have  long  suffered, 
has  now  become  my  chief  complaint.  It  has  lamed  me 
some,  and  it  causes  stiffness  in  mj^  right  arm.  In  other 
respects  my  health  has  improved. 

Jane's  throat  is  better,  though  her  cough  continues, 

and  the  doctor  says  one  lung  is  nearly  gone.      M is 

pretty   well,   though    not   very   strong,   and    we   are  all 


Mary  S.  Lippiqcott.  155 

bright  and  cheerful.  We  greatly  enjoy  our  home  life, 
in  a  private  wa}^,  after  so  many  years  with  a  large  house- 
hold. We  can  now  enjoy  the  visits  of  our  friends,  with 
nothing  to  call  us  away  during  an  hour  of  social  con- 
verse, or  longer  time,  as  occasion  offers.  How  we  should 
love  to  see  you  here,  and  to  become  acquainted  with 
Lizzie  and  t-he  children.  Perhaps  the  time  may  come 
when  a  visit  can  be  accomplished.  We  shall,  at  least, 
have  it  in  anticipation,  for  there  is  enjoyment  in  plan- 
ning for  time  to  come. 

Many  changes  have  taken  place,  but  many  remain 
of  thy  relatives  and  friends.  The  improvements  almost 
everywhere  are  marked  ;  and  I  hope  they  may  continue, 
as  prosperity',  if  rightly  received,  is  adding  to  the  eleva- 
tion and  usefulness  of  the  inhabitants  in  every  place. 

Thy  aunt  P's  children  and  grandchildren  are  doing 
well,  I  believe,  and  are  mostly  well.  There  are  several 
great-grandchildren — interesting,  of  course.  All  live  in 
love  and  harmony. 

A  good  many  of  my  nephews,  nieces  and  others  in 
whom  I  am  especially  interested,  are  at  Swarthmore 
College.  The  number  of  students  there  this  term  is 
larger  than  ever  before.  Our  new  school-house  at  Moores- 
town  has  been  enlarged.  The  school  numbers  nearly 
one  hundred  pupils  this  term.  The  meeting  and  First- 
day  school  are  large,  though  many  have  died.  We  go 
there  often  to  Monthly  and  Preparative  Meeting.  We 
have  a  meeting  and  a  First-day  school  here  in  Camden, 
but  we  cannot  yet  sever  ourselves  from  Moorestown. 


156  Life  and  Letters  of 

I  hope  you  are  all  well.  Does  Isaac  learn  well  at 
school  ?  Does  he  speak  German  ?  How  I  should  love 
to  talk  with  him,  and  to  hear  him  talk  ;  and  Richard, 
too,  the  little  prattler ;  and  dear  Lizzie,  and  thy  dear 
self.  All  of  you,  including  Lizzie's  father,  accept  our 
united  love,  and  desires  for  your  health,  happiness  and 
prosperity  in  every  way. 

Thy  affectionate  grandmother, 

M.  S.  Iv. 

Eleventh  Month  ist,  1883. 

My  Dear  Grandson  : — This  is  a  lovely,  bright  day, 
with  a  cool,  bracing  air.  It  is  very  acceptable  after 
the  damp,  foggy,  oppressive  weather  that  has  prevailed 
for  several  weeks  past.  It  was  quite  unusual  for  the 
autumn,  which  we  anticipate  as  the  loveliest  of  seasons. 
Still,  the  occasional  days  of  pleasant  weather  have  kept 
a  little  balance  in  favor  of  strength,  so  that  Jane  has 
improved  a  good  deal,  though  she  still  has  a  hard  cough. 
The  season  has  not  been  a  sickly  one,  though  we  now 
hear  of  colds  and  some  fevers. 

My  head  and  eyes  are  stiir  weak,  owing  to  my 
suffering  from  neuralgia.  I  am  improving  now.  Thy 
aunt  P.,  her  children  and  grandchildren,  get  here  pretty 
often. 

Nathan  Conrow  died  lately,  also  William  Borton. 
The  meeting,  though  still  large,  has  been  much  stripped. 
If  thee  were  to  visit  Moorestown  now  thee  would  miss 
many  from  meeting,  and  as  for  the  place,  it  is  so  enlarged 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.      •  157 

and  improved  thee  would  hardly  know  it.      Many  Phila- 
delphians  live  there,  and  attend  to  business  in  the  city. 

One  of  our  Camden  neighbors  has  a  son  in  St.  Louis. 
I  send  thee  his  address,  and  with  it  the  information  that 
it  would  be  a  comfort  to  his  mother  if  he  and  thee  would 
become  acquainted.  He  is  a  stranger  in  your  city,  is 
young,  has  been  well  brought  up,  and  probably  would 
be  glad  of  a  kind  word,  or  even  a  little  counsel  from  one 
who  came  from  his  old  neighborhood,  and  who  is  much 
mor^  familiar  than  himself  with  the  West  and  its  wa^^s. 

I  hope  you  are  well,  and  that  Isaac  can  ''  talk  Dutch ;" 
also  that  Richard  grows,  and  entertains  his  mother. 
How  we'd  like  to  see  the  children  and  their  parents.  I 
wanted  to  write,  as  I  have  more  leisure  than  thee  has, 
but  the  two  great  drawbacks  to  my  correspondence  are 
dim  sight  and  lameness  in  my  right  arm.  I  hope  thee 
can  read  this  writing. 

Our  united  love  to  thee,  Lizzie  and  the  children  ; 
also  to  your  father. 

Thy  attached  grandmother, 

M.  S.  L. 

Third  Month  3rd,  1884. 
My  Dear  Grandson  : — We  recur  with  much  comfort 
to  your  visit,  and  hope  that  you  did  not  take  cold,  or  feel 
worse  for  your  journey;  also  that  you  continue  well. 
We  have  thought  much  about  thy  accumulated  business, 
and  hoped  that  the  increased  pressure  would  not  weary 
thee  too  much. 


158  Life  and  Letters  of 

Have  you  had  any  share  in  the  loss  and  suffering 
occasioned  by  the  terrible  floods  ?  As  we  have  not  seen 
any  mention  to  that  effect,  we  hope  that  you  have 
escaped.  The  loss  of  life  and  property  seemed  heart- 
rending ;  and  the  idea  of  rebuilding  on  such  low  lands 
seems  almost  appalling. 

In  Philadelphia  there  has  been  a  very  destructive 
fire  recently.  Perhaps  you  have  seen  an  account  of  it ; 
the  chemical  works  of  Powers  &  Weightman.  The  loss 
is  very  heavy,  many  laborers  are  thrown  out  of  employ- 
ment, and  so  much  quinine  has  been  destroyed,  as 
greatly  to  advance  the  alread}^  high  price  of  that  drug. 

In  other  places,  too,  there  have  been  accounts  of 
destructive  fires.  It  is  wonderful  how  so  much  waste  in 
that  way  occurs,  when  so  much  professed  vigilance  is 
exercised  to  prevent  fires.  It  is  to  be  hoped  that  some 
check  can  be  given  to  prevent  so  much  destruction  by 
this  devouring  element. 

Jane  longs  to  get  out,  as  being  confined  to  the  house 
always  increases  her  lung  trouble.  I  do  not  get  either 
to  Philadelphia  or  to  Moorestown  at  this  season  of  the 
year;  but  I  greatly  enjoy  the  visits  of  my  friends.  This 
mingling  with  loved  ones  keeps  the  mind  bright ;  so 
that  there  are  enjoyments  even  in  sickness. 

With  love  and  best  wishes  from  us  all,  to  you  all, 
I  am  thy  affectionate  grandmother, 

M.  S.  L. 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  159 

Eighth  Month  19th,  1884. 

My  Dear  Grandson  : — It  is  a  good  while  since  I 
wrote  thee,  and  since  we  have  heard  from  thee.  We 
have  had  a  cooler  summer  than  a  year  ago,  and  some- 
times very  heavy  rain  (almost  a  flood  once),  which  has 
been  favorable  for  vegetation,  but  the  heavy  mists  have 
been  unusual,  causing  oppression  when  lungs  are  weak. 

I  recruited  so  much  during  a  few  days  passed  at  the 
shore,  that  I  continue  prett}^  well,  and  have  a  good  appe- 
tite. We  have  not  been  much  from  home,  as  Jane  gets 
sick  from  fatigue  when  she  goes  out  riding. 

A  great  many  go  away  from  the  cit}^  for  the  sum- 
mer, having  two  homes.  This  makes  it  more  lonely  for 
us  that  remain  ;  still,  we  cannot  complain,  for  our  neigh- 
bors have  been  very  kind  in  visiting  us. 

I  suppose  thee  has  seen  accounts  of  the  earthc[uake. 
Did  you  feel  the  shock  ?  It  did  not  damage  us,  but  was 
so  severe  as  to  occasion  noise,  swaying  of  walls,  and  in 
some  places  a  rising  of  the  ground,  swinging  and  rattling 
of  chandeliers,  ringing  of  bells,  &c.  The  walls  of  one 
hoitse  on  Market  Street  cracked,  and  glasses  were  broken 
in  some  places. 

If  thee  is  bus}',  perhaps  Lizzie  will  tell  us  how  you 
and  your  dear  boys  are.      Love  to  you  all. 

Your  attached  grandmother, 

M.  vS.  L. 

First  Month  27th,  1885. 
My  Dear  Grandson  : — What  troublesome  times,  at 
home  and  abroad,   occasioned  by  party   strife  ;   but — to 


160  Life  ar\d  Letters  of 

those  who  can  hear  it — there  is  whispered  in  secret,  "  In 
me  ye  have  peace."  Oh  !  that  love  and  peace  might 
reign;   ''peace  on  earth,  and  good-will  toward  men." 

Yonr  dear  little  boys,  I  trnst,  grow",  and  are  lights 
in  the  house.  Has  Isaac  been  able  to  go  to  school,  in 
the  cold.  Has  not  the  cold  been  more  severe  than  is 
usual  at  St.  Louis  ? 

Our  united  love  and  best  wishes  to  you  all. 
Thy  attached  grandmother, 

M.  S.  L. 

Seventh  Month  13th,  1885. 

Afy  Dear  Grandson  : — During  the  two  weeks  since 
we  came  here  to  Rancocas  I  have  had  so  much  neuralgia 
that  I  put  off  writing.  I  am  now  better,  but  it  occasions 
so  much  weakness  in  my  head  that  I  go  out  but  little ; 
only  to  meeting,  and  to  mingle  with  our  family  circle 
living  in  the  village.  We  are  very  comfortable  in  our 
boarding  place,  which  we  find  airy  and  pleasant,  and  all 
are  kind  and  affectionate,  and  we  are  mostly  cheerful. 

We  are  better  than  when  we  came  here,  but  we  feel 
lonely  without  dear  Jane.  Go  where  we  may,  we  miss 
her  so  much,  with  her  loving  and  faithful  kindness. 
M.  feels  as  though  life  is  a  struggle  without  her.  But 
we  are  sure  she  is  happy  ;  she  was  so  willing  and  anxious 
to  go  to  rest,  so  centered  in  love  to  everybody,  and  so 
trusting  in  her  heavenly  Father  to  receive  her.  We 
must  look  forward  to  the  time  of  a  reunion. 

P.  and  her  children  and  grandchildren  do  seem  to 


Mary  S.  Lippiqcott,  161 

be  so  loving  and  happy  with  one  another,  and  so  inter- 
ested and  helpful  where  they  can  bestow  aid  npon  any- 
body, that  it  is  a  delightful  neighborhood  to  be  in.  The 
poorest  are  songht  after  and  cared  for,  and  P.  is  as  a 
doctor  to  them  when  they  are  sick. 

We  often  talk  abont  you.  Has  R.  recovered  from 
his  hurt  ?  Is  I.  better,  and  has  he  returned  home  ?  We 
should  all  love  to  see  you,  and  to  welcome  you.  Do  not 
tax  th\''self  too  hard.  We  send  love  to  Lizzie,  her  father, 
and  to  the  dear  children.  A  blessing  to  all,  from 
Thy  affectionate  grandmother, 

M.  S.  L. 


PART    \\J  ■ 

GENERAL  CORRESPONDENCE. 

TO   GEORGE    HATTON. 


First  Month  19th,  1850. 
Afy  Dear  Friend :  —  I  must  acknowledge  my  re- 
missness in  allowing  a  very  interesting  letter,  received 
months  ago  from  thy  dear  son  and  daughter,  to  remain 
so  long  unnoticed  ;  also  the  Extracts  from  your  Yearly 
Meeting,  and  a  tribute  to  the  memory  of  their  dear, 
departed  mother.  For  all  three  of  these  we  are  much 
obliged  ;  and  though  my  pen  has  lain  idle,  my  thoughts 
have  not  remained  so,  neither  are  our  affections  lessened 
toward  thee  and  thine.      Often  do  I  feel  as  if  it  would 


162  Life  and  Letters  of 

afford  me  niiicli  pleasure  could  I  sit  down  and  converse 
with  tliee,  and  see  the  little  group  assembled  at  the  fire- 
place of  thy  son's  home.  As  I  am  not  privileged  to  do 
this,  ma}'  I  not  hope,  some  time,  to  greet  you  at  our 
own  habitation. 

Dear  George,  there  are  many  instructors  in  Israel, 
but  few  are  the  fathers  and  the  mothers.  Ah  !  for  want 
of  these,  where  are  the  children  ?  Will  not  the  language 
yet  be  applicable  (if  not  so  already)  that  was  spoken  to 
the  jDrophet  Eli,  who  restrained  not  his  sons.  Alas,  for 
the  Society  of  Friends  ?  Where  shall  we  be  landed  ? 
After  all  that  our  predecessors  suffered  that  they  might 
come  out  from  the  Nations  and  dwell  alone  ;  are  we  now 
to  declare  that  this  was  all  a  delusion ;  and  that  we  are 
to  mix  with  them,  partaking  of  their  merchandise,  and 
joining  in  their  traffic  ?  Ah  !  I  believe  the  true  Quaker 
is  called  out  of  the  professing  world  now,  as  much  and 
as  truly  as  the  Israelites  were  called  out  of  Egypt.  "  Out 
of  Egypt  have  I  called  my  son."  And  if  so,  and  if  the 
disciples  are  with  him,  they  must  come  out  too.  And 
what  greater  bondage  than  Egyptian  bondage  ?  What 
darkness  equal  to  Egyptian  darkness  ?  Why  it  is  to  be 
felt  !  Quakers  never  can  be  popular  with  the  religionists 
of  the  da}'.  When  they  aspire  to  popularity,  they  run 
out.  When  Ephraim  offended  in  Baal  he  died.  Had 
the  watchmen  been  faithful  to  chase  the  enemy  out  of 
their  borders  the  city  might  have  been  saved.  Are  not 
their  eyes  now  opening  to  see  the  effects  of  their  re- 
missness ? 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  163 

There  are  those  among  us  who  seem  to  think  that  doc- 
trhie  is  of  little  account.  With  these  I  differ,  believing  as 
I  do  in  the  promulgation  of  sound  doctrine  where  truth 
sustains  truth  ;  and  feeling  it  right  to  discountenance 
the  opposite,  where  error  sustains  error.  If  the  doctrines 
of  the  Society  of  Friends  are  true,  and  if  the  embracing 
of  them  tended  to  make  men  better  and  more  peaceful  ; 
if  the}'  have  been  proved  to  be  no  cunningly  devised 
fable,  but  the  basis  of  a  religion  sufficient  to  live  by  and 
to  die  b}^,  then  they  are  worth  standing  up  to  support, 
even  before  a  host  of  opposers.  Shall  we  forsake  the 
Master  (within)  when  He  is  about  to  be  taken  and 
crucified  ? 

We  are  told  b}^  some  that  every  one  is  to  attend  to 
the  dictates  of  his  own  conscience.  This  advice,  to  a 
certain  extent,  is  good,  but  conscience  is  educated,  and 
one  by  its  dictates,  goes  counter  to  another ;  so  come 
confusion,  strife,  division.  No,  this  will  not  do.  George 
Fox  says  "mind  the  Light."  He  also  says  that  Christ 
is  the  Light,  and  that  minding  it  brings  all  to  Christ, 
where  there  is  no  division ;  brings  all  into  one  fold, 
where  they  will  support  the  same  testimonies,  walk  by 
the  same  rule  and  mind  the  same  thing.  Here  we  can 
hear  every  man  in  our  own  tongue  (with  new  tongues) 
wherein  we  were  born  (of  the  Spirit)  ;  and  without  this 
spiritual  union  how  can  we  have  fellowship  as  members 
of  the  same  religious  Societ3^ 

I   have  been  thankful  that   John   Comly  has    been 


164  Life  and  Letters  of 

strengthened  to  get  out  to  meetings,  and  that  he  is  so 
alive  to  the  interests  of  the  Society. 

Blisha  and  Sarah  Hunt  have  gone  to  the  Western 
Quarter  to  attend  some  meetings  there.  Benjamin  War- 
rington and  wife  are  in  delicate  health.  I  have  a  Minute 
from  the  Monthly'  Meeting  to  appoint  some  meetings, 
and  have  attended  but  partially  thereto ;  for  finding  my 
health  inadequate  to  the  prosecution  of  the  concern,  I 
think  it  best  to  return  the  Minute  and  wait  till  another 
time.  I  have  been  absent  from  our  own  meeting  very 
often  of  latter  time,  though  my  indisposition  has  been 
such   as  to  lay  me  b}-  only  for  a  few  days  at  each  turn. 

In  these  parts  we  are  very  much  exempt  from  the 
dividing  spirit,  the  Truth  being,  I  trust,  strong  enough 
to  withstand  it.  For  this  we  ought  to  be  thankful,  and 
to  keep  humble,  trying  to  be  prepared  for  the  trials  that 
may  await  us  at  our  next  Yearly  Meeting. 

Has  thou  been  out  much  since  thou  left  us,  or  has 
thou  been  permitted  to  rest  awhile  since  thy  heavy  dis- 
pensation of  trial  and  stripping.  Surely  it  has  been 
such,  and  thou  must  feel  thyself  lonely,  and  the  weight 
of  exercise  must  press  more  heavily  without  a  sym- 
pathizing partner  to  share  it  with  thee.  We  have  felt 
for  thee  much,  but  we  had  no  doubt  that  thou  would 
find  a  support  to  thy  tried  mind.  Then,  too,  thou  has 
consolation  in  thy  children,  who  will,  no  doubt,  endeavor 
to  smooth  thy  path  and  to  hold  up  thy  hands.  Also 
thou  has  dear  friends  around  thee  whose  spirits  are  in 
unison  with  thine.     These  are  consolations,  and  though 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  165 

they  cannot  fill  the  void,  yet  they  can  soothe  the  sorrow- 
ing heart.  None,  as  I  apprehend,  can  know  the  feeling 
of  the  widowed  state,  nntil  it  is  realized  by  experience  • 
and  yet,  blessed  be  the  Father  of  all,  the  back  is  fitted 
for  the  burden.  He  can  give  resignation,  and  then  hard 
things  are  made  easy. 

I  remain,  with  much  love  from  Isaac  and  myself, 
thy  truly  attached  friend, 

Mary  vS.  Lippincott. 

to  the   same. 

Eleventh  Month  13th,  1851. 
Be/o7'ed  Friend:  —  Thy  truly  acceptable  letter 
brought  a  confirmation  that  my  dear  husband  and  mj^- 
self  retain  a  place  in  thy  memory  and  thy  feelings, 
amidst  all  the  fluctuations  of  time,  and  the  conflicting 
of  the  elements  in  the  civil  and  in  the  religious  (?) 
world.  To  be  thus  remembered  by  one  of  the  Lord's 
servants  is  an  evidence  that  we  (however  unworthy)  are 
still  numbered  with  the  household  of  faith. 

We  rejoice  to  hear  that  thou  and  thy  wife  are 
joined  together  as  yoke-fellows  to  labor  in  the  Church  of 
Christ,  for  the  support  of  the  Ark  of  the  Testimony,  and 
to  keep  it  from  passing  over  into  the  camp  of  the  Philis- 
tines. We,  as  a  Society,  are  besieged  by  a  formidable 
foe,  grown  to  the  stature  of  Goliah  of  Gath  ;  as  formida- 
ble in  appearance  and  in  array.  No  power  can  reach  it, 
but  the  power  of  the  Highest ;  none  can  smite  it  but 
those  who  are  armed  with   the  whole  armor  of  Light — - 


166  Life  and  Letters  of 

the  name  of  the  Lord.  When  we  have  a  sense  of  our 
own  frailties  what  blushing  and  confusion  of  face  do  we 
feel  in  the  presence  of  the  Most  High.  Ah  !  my  friend, 
I  know  what  I  say  ;  for  verily  do  I  feel  that  I  have  no 
might  of  my  own,  even  to  keep  my  own  spirit  in  sub- 
jection ;  to  keep  self  under.  Where,  then,  are  the  boast- 
ing and  vaunting  of  poor,  erring  mortals  ?  Truly,  as 
thou  says,  belligerent  parties  may  form  armies,  and 
pitch  in  battle  array.  Israel,  like  the  sons  of  Jesse,  may 
engage  in  the  Lord's  battle,  because  they  see  the  deso- 
lation and  wasting  they  make.  These  may  speak  great, 
swelling  words,  and  may  extend  an  arm  to  pierce,  but 
they  cannot  conquer.  Oh  !  what  hard  work  it  makes 
for  the  Lord's  anointed,  when  their  own  men  go  unskil- 
fully to  work.  They  hurt  the  cause.  As  David  went, 
so  must  go  the  servant  now,  that  smites  the  champion, 
and  puts  the  armies  to  flight ;  and  that  servant  must 
first  have  slain  the  lion  and  the  bear.  A  conquest  must 
be  made  at  home,  in  our  own  experience.  The  world 
assumes  the  forms  of  the  lion  and  the  bear,  to  devour 
the  lamb-like  nature  in  us  ;  and  if  we  have  not  power 
to  keep  our  father's  sheep,  how  can  we  heljD  our  brethren 
or  meet  our  common  foe  ? 

I,  with  others,  am  led  in  a  close  way,  and  cannot  find 
peace,  without  being  obedient  ;  and  if  I  have  to  be 
regarded  as  not  being  one  of  the  philanthropists,  I  must 
bear  it  patiently  ;  having  an  evidence  within  my  own 
breast,  that  I  feel  nothing  but  good-will  to  men,  desiring 
their  everlasting  welfare. 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  167 

We  have  been  engaged  in  some  religions  visits  in 
Bucks  and  Burlington  Quarters.  There  are  valuable, 
exercised  Friends  in  those  parts,  also  some  who  are  up 
•  in  the  air,  as  if  they  had  found  a  new  wa}^,  and  another 
key  to  open  the  secrets  of  the  Most  High.  I  am  favora- 
ble to  that  charity  which  reproves  those  that  are  out  of 
the  Truth,  and  approves  Truth's  advocates,  all  in  the 
same  spirit — for  the  real  zvelfarc  of  both  classes.  I 
think  the  time  of  trial  will  come,  when  we  shall  have 
to  show  on  whose  side  we  are  ;  whether  on  the  Lord's 
side,  or  on  that  of  Baal.  Who  shall  stand  the  day  of 
trial ? 

Priscilla  Cadwalader  attended  our  meetings,  I  be- 
lieve to  general  satisfaction.  Her  doctrines  are  sound 
and  scriptural. 

W^e  have  eighty-nine  in  famil3\  It  is  a  great  re- 
sponsibility, but  I  hope  that  it  is  right  for  us  to  have 
our  school,  as  a  guarded  education  for  the  voung  is 
needed,  and  a  care  to  restrain  them  from  hurtful  indul- 
gences. 

I  hope  thou  maj'  be  preser^'ed  in  that  faith  in  which 
thou  has  heretofore  stood;  for  then,  shall  none  be  able 
to  pluck  thee  out  of  the  hand  of  Him  who  called  thee  to 
espouse  his  cause. 

With  love,  in  which  Isaac  joins,  to  thj-self,  wife  and 
children,  I  remain 

Thy  sincere  friend  and  well-wisher, 

M.  S.  Iv. 


J68  Life  and  Letters  of 

TO    R.    AND    S.    H. 
MooRESTowN,  N.  J.,  Second  Month  nth,  1852. 

Beloved  Friends  : — Although  I  am  unable  to  decide 
whether  or  not  I  am  indebted  to  you,  I  am  inclined  to 
write,  and  say  that  you  are  not  forgotten  amidst  the 
multiplicity  of  business  in  which  we  are  immersed ;  and 
to  hear  from  j^ou  is  always  pleasant. 

For  awhile  I  did  not  answer  my  friends'  letters, 
because  I  felt  too  poor  to  write  ;  and  thought  that  noth- 
ing interesting  could  emanate  from  my  pen ;  and  though 
I  have  not  changed  this  opinion,  yet  I  did  not  feel  quite 
satisfied  to  close  my  correspondence ;  and,  besides, 
thoughts  repressed  may  become  as  stagnant  waters. 

This  has  been  a  genuine,  old-fashioned  winter, 
whose  character  resembles  that  of  which  our  aged  grand- 
sires  used  to  speak,  in  the  days  of  our  childhood,  when 
the  family  group  was  collected  around  the  great  fire- 
place in  the  kitchen,  where  the  fire  burned  briskly. 
Oh  !  for  those  golden  days  of  the  olden  time.  But  those 
days  are  gone  ;  times  are  altered ;  dress  takes  the  place 
of  simple  sports,  and  reading,  of  the  ingenuous  chat. 

Education  is,  no  doubt,  a  blessing ;  but,  like  every- 
thing else  it  must  be  in  moderation,  or  its  use  ends. 
I  love  to  see  the  native  sports  of  children,  and  I  enjoy 
domestic  scenes,  such  as  I  loved  when  young.  I  am  a 
great  admirer  of  Cowper,  and  his  views  of  enjo3'ment  are 
in  accord  with  \i\y  feelings. 

But,  though  the  winter  has  been  cold,  it  has  not 
congealed    the    stream  of   love   that   flows   towards    our 


Mary  S.  Lipptncott.  169 

friends,  and  binds  us  to  those  who  are  like-minded  with 
ourselves.     As  such  we  regard  you  and  your  parents. 
Your  loving  friend, 

M.  S.  L. 

TO     HER     DAUGHTER. 

Pickering,  Canada,  Eighth  Month,  1853. 
My  Dear  Jane : — I  do  not  know  whether  or  not  I 
gave,  in  my  letter  to  M.,  an  account  of  our  visit  to  the 
Falls  of  Niagara ;  but  I  could  not  give  a  full  description 
of  their  magnificence  if  I  were  to  attempt  it.  We  viewed 
the  Rapids  and  the  Cataract  from  many  different  posi- 
tions, going  as  near  as  we  deemed  it  prudent  to  venture  ; 
and  we  are  prepared  to  acknowledge  that  nothing  which 
has  been  written,  by  way  of  description,  has  even  half 
reached  the  reality,  and  therefore  it  has  failed  to  impress 
the  mind  of  the  reader  with  the  sublimity  there  displayed. 
One  morning  the  sun  shone  out  so  clear  that  we  saw  the 
beautiful  rainbow,  forming  about  two-thirds  of  a  circle, 
and  a  dim  one  reflected  beyond  it.  Well  may  it  be  con- 
sidered, as  some  who  have  traveled  much  have  termed 
it,  the  greatest  natural  curiosity  yet  discovered  in  the 
world.  I  hope  that  both  of  you,  my  dear  daughters,  can 
have  the  opportunity  of  seeing  these  Falls  for  yourselves. 
I  took  leave  of  them  with  the  feeling  that  they  would 
still  flow  on  in  awful  grandeur,  and  be  gazed  upon  in 
wonder  for  ages  yet  to  come.  The  motion  from  the  very 
beginning  of  the  rapids  is  such  that  it  impresses  the 
spectator  with  the  idea  that  the  hurry  will  subside,  but 
12 


170  Life  and  Letters  of 

however  long  he  may  gaze,  he  finds  no  abatement ;  and 
in  amazement  he  traces  the  waters  to  their  starting- 
place.  He  considers  how  great  a  volume  of  water  is 
rushing  down  this  river  from  the  lakes,  and  that  the 
supply  is  equal  to  the  overflow. 

From  Niagara,  by  way  of  Lewiston,  we  crossed 
Lake  Ontario,  a  beautiful  sheet  of  green  water,  to 
Toronto.  The  sun  shone  brilliantly,  and  hot  as  the 
weather  was,  I  sat  awhile  on  the  upper  deck,  viewing 
the  placid  bosom  of  the  lake,  and  seeing  the  sky  and 
water  meet  in  every  direction.  Terra  fir  in  a  had  been 
removed  from  view  entirely. 

We  dined  on  board  the  steamer,  in  company  with 
several  Englishmen,  who  treated  us  with  much  polite- 
ness and  attention. 

On  reaching  Toronto  we  rode  some  distance  through 
the  floiirishing  city  and  through  a  well-improved  country 
beyond  it,  to  Nicholas  Brown's,  where  we  arrived  just 
before  midnight.  However,  even  at  that  late  hour,  we 
were  made  welcome  b}-  our  kind  friends.  Indeed,  they 
seemed  almost  overjoyed  to  see  us.  They  had  not  re- 
ceived my  letter,  and  therefore  were  not  looking  for  us, 
though  Margaret  had  been  talking  about  me. 

We  are  all  pretty  well,  though  the  weather  is  ex- 
ceedingly warm — as  warm  perhaps  as  any  that  we  have 
felt  this  summer,  and  so  dry  here  that  the  fields  are 
brown  and  parched. 

I  am  anxiously  looking  for  letters,  feeling  that  I 


Mary  S.  Lippiqcott.  171 

am  far  off,  and  a  long  time  absent  from  home.     If  I  can 
only  hear  that  you  are  well,  I  shall  feel  easy. 

Thy  loving  mother, 

M.  S.  L. 

TO  georgb:  hatton. 

MooRESTOWN,  Tenth  Month  27th,  1854. 

Beloved  Friend — Whom  I  esteem  as  an  elder  brother 
in  Christ — I  often  feel  it  in  my  heart  to  salute  thee  in 
the  love  of  the  everlasting  Gospel,  and  bid  thee  God- 
speed on  thy  journey  toward  Canaan. 

How  pleasant  it  was  to  behold  thy  face  once  more, 
when  in  a  land  of  strangers ;  but  still  more  pleasant  to 
feel  that,  with  all  the  perils  and  buffetings  and  commo- 
tions, our  faith  in  the  saving  principle  and  power  of 
God,  manifested  within,  remains  unchanged ;  that  we 
have  not  parted  with  the  stable  truth  for  all  the  cun- 
ningly devised  fables,  gotten  up  in  the  will  and  wisdom 
of  man,  who  by  adhering  to  them  is  unstable  as  water. 
''See  the  Quakers,  how  they  love  one  another."  This 
remains  with  those  who  have  passed  from  death  unto 
life,  for  their  love  is  founded  on  and  centered  in  God, 
who  is  love,  and  who  is  unchangeable.  They  are  bound 
in  one  bundle,  united  in  one  spirit,  and  are  prepared  to 
rejoice  together  in  his  presence,  where  they  mingle  in 
prayer,  in  baptism,  in  suffering  for  the  body's  sake,  and 
in  thanksgiving  and  in  praise.  These  beholding  each 
other's  countenances  are  made  glad,  for  they  see  re- 
flected there  the  image  of  that  Divine  Being  whom  they 


172  Life  and  Letters  of 

love,  whom  tliey  adore,  and  whom  they  desire  to  worship 
in  spirit  and  in  trnth.  If  this  consolation  is  afforded 
kindred  spirits  here,  while  shackled  with  clay  tenements, 
how  complete  must  it  be  hereafter,  when  these  are  cast 
off  as  a  worn-out  garment,  and  the  spirit,  the  soul  im- 
mortal, is  robed  in  Light.  O  the  unspeakable  joys  of 
the  Celestial  world  !  Neither  the  tongue  of  man  nor 
of  angel  can  declare  it  to  the  full,  while  we  are  finite 
beings,  though  we  may  have  a  glorious  foretaste  thereof, 
even  in  this  lower  world.  When  our  hearts  are  raised  in 
fervency  of  prayer  to  our  God,  He  lifts  us  above  transi- 
tory things,  for  a  little  time,  that  we  may  believe  in  Him, 
and  in  his  promises,  so  as  not  to  give  back  in  days  of 
trial  and  sore  conflict,  neither  to  despair  of  his  aid. 

How  beautiful  is  the  world  in  which  we  are  placed, 
and  how  numerous  are  the  blessings  that  descend  upon 
our  habitations.  If  mankind  would  only  live  in  obedi- 
ence to  the  in-speaking  Word,  this  earth  would  be  like 
a  paradise,  and  our  happiness  would  be  augmented  from 
day  to  day.  No  man  would  harm  or  hurt  his  brother, 
or  do  any  violence  to  his  neighbor ;  but  all  would  act  up 
to  the  injunction  of  our  Saviour,  "Therefore  all  things 
whatsoever  ye  would  that  men  should  do  to  you,  do  ye 
even  so  to  them."  Thus  would  each  be  promoting  the 
happiness  of  his  fellow,  and  helping  him  through  this 
to  another  world,  even  his  everlasting  home.  Then,  the 
nearer  the  approach  to  this  home,  the  happier  should  we 
be,  from  the  assurance  of  "joy  unspeakable  and  full  of 
glory." 


Mary  S,  Lippincott.  173 

Oh,  that  the  children  of  men  were  wise  nnto  salva- 
tion !  Then  would  they  obey  the  Light  within,  which  is 
a  certain  Guide,  and  a  faithful  instructor,  alwa'^'s  ready 
to  show  the  wa}^  to  peace  and  everlasting  Life. 

Oh,  that  Friends  would  come  home  to  this,  and  be 
established  in  Christ :  that  they  would  hold  up  Jesus 
Christ ;  that  they  would  ''  preach  Christ  crucified,  unto 
the  Jews  a  stumbling-block,  and  unto  the  Greeks  fool- 
ishness :  "  but  "  the  power  of  God  unto  salvation  to 
every  one  that  believeth."  This  would  do  more  to  re- 
form the  world,  and  to  make  men  Christians,  than  would 
all  the  word's  so  lauded  b}^  a  bus}'  and  active  genera- 
tion. 

The  stream  cannot  rise  higher  than  its  fountain, 
nor  can  its  waters  be  of  any  other  nature  than  those  of 
the  source  whence  it  issues — if  impure  the}'  cannot 
cleanse,  if  bitter  the}^  cannot  console.  Is  it  not  time  for 
people  to  gather  around  the  living  fountain,  and  there 
wait  for  the  Ik'ing  water,  that  thc}^  thirst  no  more,  be- 
cause the  well  of  life  is  in  them  bubbling  up  for  them  to 
drink  ?  I  feel  an  encouraging  hope  that  there  is  an 
increasing  concern  on  these  accounts  ;  and  that  it  is  not 
limited  to  age,  but  that  among  the  youth  there  is  a 
visitation,  and  a  call  to  tread  the  way  of  self-denial.  If 
these  will  only  abide  under  the  preparing  Hand,  till 
fitted  for  service,  I  believe  that  they  will  be  sent  into 
the  harvest-fields  to  labor,  and  that  their  labors  will  be 
blest. 

I  was   pleased  to  hear  that  your  Yearly  Meeting 


174  Life  and  Letters  of 

was  favored,  and  I  hope  that  that  of  Baltimore  will  be 
also.  John  Hnnt  has  gone  to  attend  it.  Elisha  Hnnt 
and  Sarah  are  visiting  meetings,  as  way  opens,  within 
the  limits  of  our  own  Yearly  Meeting.  I  hope  the 
Master  will  send  thee  and  thy  wife  to  visit  these  parts, 
ere  long,  and  that  He  will  give  thee  oil  in  thy  horn  for 
anointing. 

Isaac  unites  with  me  in  love,  and  in  desires  for  your 
preservation.     I  remain 

Th}^  sincere  friend, 

M.  S.  L. 

TO    THE     SAME. 

Ninth  Month,  1868. 
My  Dear  Frieiid :  —  The  remembrance  of  former 
years,  when  we  used  to  gather  in  social  mingling  and  in 
religious  fellowship,  is  not  lost  sight  of;  and  mentally  I 
often  view  thee  in  thy  retirement  and  wonder  how  it 
fares  with  thee.  With  this  memor}^  and  this  view  comes 
the  hope  that  tli}^  lamp  nia}^  contintie  to  be  replenished 
with  oil,  so  as  to  burn  brightly  till  the  close  of  thy  pil- 
grimage. I  am  glad  to  know  that  thou  art  still  able  to 
get  out  to  meetings,  and  to  visit  thy  friends  occasionally. 
I  trust  that  the  meetings  now,  as  they  formerly  were, 
are  seasons  of  Divine  favor,  in  which  Truth  has  the 
victory  over  all.  Where  the  love  of  the  Father  flows 
unobstructed,  it  seems  as  though  the  whole  soul  is 
drawn  otit  in  thanksgiving  and  praise,  so  that  the 
tongue  has  to  give  utterance  thereto ;  not  only  to  adore 


Mary  S.  Lippincott,  175 

his  great  and  excellent  name,  but  also  to  invite  others 
to  come,  taste  and  see  that  the  Lord  is  good  and  gracious 
in  his  dealings  with  the  sons  and  daughters  of  men,  in 
order  to  lead  them  in  the  way  of  obedience.  Surely 
those  who  abide  at  the  Fountain,  and  receive  from  his 
bountiful  hand,  must  feel  ofttimes  that  their  cup  run- 
neth over,  and  they  have  to  hand  out  of  its  contents,  for 
the  refreshment  of  others.  The  patriarch  Jacob  con- 
tinued his  labors  till  his  close.  His  last  benediction 
was  wonderful  ere  "  he  gathered  up  his  feet  into  the 
bed  and  yielded  up  the  ghost."  Was  not  this  an  evi- 
dence that  God  had  blessed  him  all  his  days,  and  that 
he  had  performed  his  vows,  made  at  the  time  of  his 
deep  trial,  when  he  felt  desolate  and  forsaken  ?  Oh, 
how  mau}^  have  given  evidence  of  the  plentitude  of  his 
power,  and  of  the  increase  of  the  Gospel  stream,  with 
length  of  da3^s,  until  its  aboundings  were  continual. 
When  the  physical  powers  have^  failed,  the  spiritual 
perceptions  have  brightened,  till,  the  outer  world  seem- 
ing to  be  shut  out,  the  inner  has  become  more  glorious 
than  ever  before  ;  and  they  could  sound  the  Lord's 
praise  in  one  continued  out-pouring  of  expression.  The 
evening  of  life,  amidst  the  aboundings  of  his  love,  has 
always  seemed  to  me  as  the  happiest  period.  The  cares, 
anxieties  and  turmoils,  attendant  upon  our  pilgrimage 
journey  being  over,  we  have  only  to  wait  in  quiet  ex- 
pectation that  ere  long  a  sweet  voice  will  be  heard, 
saying,  "  Having  been  faithful  in  thy  day,  now  enter 
into  rest."     Happy  indeed  the  latter  days  of  those  who 


176  Life  and  Letters  of 

are  thus  awaiting  their  change,  for  they  are  assured  of 
the  crown  imn?ortal  to  be  placed  on  their  heads. 

I  trust  that  such  may  be  thy  experience,  after  a  life 
of  labor  in  the  church,  keeping  in  the  harness  until  the 
journey  is  ended  and  the  work  done.  When  retired  in 
stillness  I  often  visit  thee,  and  alwa^^s  with  this  feeling, 
believing  as  I  do  in  the  all-sufficiency  of  the  anointing 
power  to  qualify  in  old  age  as  in  youth  or  in  middle  life, 
for  preaching  the  Gospel  in  the  demonstration  of  the 
spirit,  and  that  the  stream  widens  and  enlarges  accord- 
ing to  our  dedication  and  faithfulness. 

As  the  infirmities  of  age  multiply,  there  is,  in  our 
surroundings,  less  to  interest  us  ;  and  as  my  dear 
mother,  in  her  afflictions,  used  to  say,  "Nothing  to  bind 
me  to  earth." 

I  remain  th}^  loving  friend, 

M.  S.  L. 

TO     HER     GRANDDAUGHTER,    E.    L. 

Camden,  N.  J.,  First  Month   ist,  1884. 

My  Dear  Gr'anddaiighter : — While  Daniel  is  out, 
and  Isaac  is  with  his  aunts,  I  will  write  a  few  lines  to 
thee  to  say  that  it  was  very  kind  of  thee  to  be  willing  to 
spare  thy  husband  and  son  long  enough  to  make  us  a 
visit. 

We  do  appreciate  it  very  much,  and  we  enjoy  the 
precious  boy  as  well  as  his  dear  father.  If  thyself  and 
Richard  had  come  it  would  have  increased  the  pleasure ; 
but  we  hope  that  visit  is  in  reserve.     They  seem  to  have 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  177 

enjoyed  meeting  their  relatives,  and  Isaac  has  made 
friends  with  all,  winning  love  and  admira'tion  wherever 
he  went.  We  all  think  he  is  a  very  good  boy,  evincing 
the  judicious  and  affectionate  training  of  a  mother's 
gentle  hand. 

Thy  letter,  which  came  A^esterday,  shows  a  bright- 
ness in  the  absence  of  th}-  dear  ones,  and  a  disposition 
to  bear  up  in  hope  of  their  safe  return,  when  Isaac  will 
be  able  to  entertain  you  with  much  that  he  has  seen 
and  learned.  This  trip  and  its  incidents  will  not  be 
soon  forgotten  by  him,  and  his  brother  Richard  may 
be  made  acquainted,  by  hearsay,  with  many  things  to 
draw  his  thoughts  Eastward.  What  a  halo  children  cast 
around  the  famil}^  circle.  Especiall}"  is  this  the  case 
when  they  are  intelligent  and  inc|uiring. 

This  evening  the  dear  ones  are  to  leave  us  ;  and  we 
trust  they  will  find  safety  and  protection,  in  the  keeping 
of  that  kind  Providence  that  watches  over  us  wherever 
our  lots  may  be  cast. 

They  found  us  much  better  in  health,  and  I  hope 
we  may  get  out  again  if  the  weather  should  clear  and 
the  snow  melt. 

It  will  remain  a  great  comfort  to  me  that  I  have 
once  more  seen  Daniel,  and  have  also  looked  upon  his 
dear  son.  If  life  be  spared,  I  shall  hope  to  greet  thee 
and  Richard  some  time.  I  know  it  is  far  to  come  from 
St.  Louis  to  Camden,  yet  wa}^  sometimes  opens  for  us, 
and  is  made  easy,  beyond  our  human  calculations. 


178  Life  and  Letters  of 

From  what  I  have  learned,  I  shall  seem  to  see  you, 
and  almost  to  locate  you  in  your  own  home. 

May  the  Good  Shepherd  keep  us,  and  aid  us  all  in 
eyeing-  the  hedge  that  encloses  us  in  the  sheepfold  ;  and 
may  He  keep  the  lambs  with  us  in  our  affections,  and  in 
our  pra3'ers  enable  us  to  give  them  to  the  Lord  that  He 
may  bless  them. 

Farewell !     Love  to  th}-  father  and  to  little  Richard. 
Th}^  loving  grandmother, 

M.  S.  L. 


DETACHED   PflRflGRflPHS, 

FROM    THE     LETTERvS    OF    M.    S.    L. 

Where  grace  abounds  it  regulates  all,  and  centres 
the  mind,  but  where  its  offers  are  rejected,  longer  steps 
are  taken  in  the  broad  way  of  so-called  pleasure. — -  No 
date. 

I  know  the  lonel}-  feeling  of  a  young  person  for 
want  of  congenial  society  ;  for  when  in  ni}^  youth  I 
withdrew  from  the  giddy  round,  I  trod  the  loneliness  of 
ni}^  way  for  a  season.  But,  in  his  own  time,  my  Heav- 
enly Father  made  a  way  for  me  to  mingle  with  those 
who  loved  Him,  and  who  delighted  in  his  commandments, 
— No  date. 

I  feel  to  commend  you  in  your  efforts  to  educate 
your  children  ;  for  with  Job  Scott  I  do  believe  that  too 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  179 

much  rusticity  is  not  an  advantage  to  a  Christian. — No 
date. 

At Quarter!}'  Meeting  Friends  have  certainly 

had  the  best  of  help  to  sustain  them,  and  have  known 
their  heads  to  be  covered  in  the  da}^  of  battle. — No  date. 

Since  our  last  Yearly  Meeting  I  think  we  have 
cause  to  lift  up  our  heads  in  hope ;  there  was  manifested 
there  such  a  gathered  feeling,  such  an  increase  of  love 
and  harmou}',  with  an  evident  desire,  on  the  part  of 
many,  to  rally  to  first  principles,  even  to  those  which 
brought  us  together  as  a  people. — No  date. 

When  the  cares  of  this  life  press  down  the  better 
part  in  us,  we  fall  into  a  condition  of  spiritual  letharg}^ 
from  which  nothing  but  Divine  Grace  can  redeem  us. 
"  No  cross,  no  crown  " — how  much  is  contained  in  these 
words. — No  date. 

Eternity  seems  very  much  nearer  than  it  did  when 
I  was  a  child,  and  the  dear  departed  do  not  seem  very 
far  off,  onl\'  gone  before  to  a  better  world,  to  an  un- 
changing state.  When  we  have  finished  our  days  in 
this  lower  world,  ma}'  we  be  ready  to  meet  those  who 
are  gathered  into  the  Heavenly  garner. — No  date. 

I  am  always  interested  to  hear  items  of  moment 
concerning  thy  family.  I  think  it  good  for  parents  and 
children  to  remain  together  in  one  household,  so  long  as 
they  can  rightfully  do  it,  loving  and  companionable. 
Where  this  is  the  case  the  parents  are  affable  to  the 
children,  and  the  children  confiding  in  the  parents ;  so 


180  Life  and  Letters  of 

as  to  he  mutually  helpful  iu  the  ascent  and  descent  of 
the  hill  of  life.— .V^^  da/r. 

If  we  were  satisfied  with  what  is  revealed  to  us,  and 
to  our  children,  I  believe  we  should  be  willing  to  /eave 
the  secret  things  which  belong  to  God.  I  want  no  strife 
of  tongues,  and  have  no  interest  in  contention.  To  pro- 
mote (as  a  very  feeble  instrument)  Truth  and  righteous- 
ness, and  to  live  in  peace  with  all  mankind  during  the 
time  yet  allotted  me  in  this  state  of  being,  is  what  I 
desire. — JVo  date. 

There  are  many  allurements  in  view  to  entice  the 
young,  but  I  have  great  faith  in  the  endeavors  of  parents 
to  keep  the  ground  fallow,  and  to  prevent  the  weeds 
from  growing  during  the  period  of  childhood  and  youth. 
Then  will  the  children  as  they  grow  older  (and  especially 
if  separated  from  the  tender  hands  that  reared  them) 
feel  urged  to  the  same  work — that  of  attending  to  the 
garden  of  the  heart,  to  dress  and  to  keep  it.  Early 
training  does  a  great  deal  towards  a  right  growth. — No 
date. 

I  felt  it  a  great  cross  to  give  up  the  fashions  and 
amusements  that  I  had  indulged  in ;  but  I  found  a 
Power  .sufficient  to  remove  ever}^  obstacle,  and  to  make 
for  me  an  easy  and  pleasant  way  within  the  limits  of 
Divine  love. — No  date. 

Oh,  the  Church  !  May  strength  be  afforded  your 
spirits  to  travail  for  its  arising  ;  for  its  coming  out  of 
the  wilderness  into  the  clear  light  of  the  sun  !  May  we 
all  seek  for  the  spirit  of  prayer  and  supplication,  to  be 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  181 

preserved  from  the  temptations  held  out  on  every  hand 
to  draw  aside  from  the  way  of  the  cross  !  I  feel,  indeed, 
feeble  and  of  little  account.  Still  I  hope  to  be  protected 
to  the  end.      Farewell ! — No  date. 

Where  Friends  are  few  in  number,  if  they  meet  as 
they  ought,  the}^  can  have  Heavenl}^  Meetings.  —  No 
date. 

Many  are  the  heavy-hearted  in  our  Yearl}^  Meeting, 
in  view  of  the  state  of  Society  ;  but  I  believe  the  only 
way  is  to  repair  to  the  Fountain  and  there  wait  in  all 
humility,  leaving  the  issue  with  the  great  Controller  of 
events.  There  seems  to  be  a  disposition  to  sustain  )icw 
doctrine,  and  this  disposition  causes  many  to  suffer ;  but 
good  may  come  even  out  of  the  suffering. — No  date. 

In  some  of  our  smaller  meetings  there  is  manifested 
a  dull,  drowsy  spirit ;  and  when  this  is  indulged  in,  how 
it  lays  waste  the  strength,  and  how  it  discourages  those 
who  come  to  these  gatherings  to  renew  their  covenants, 
and  to  experience  a  being  refreshed  from  the  mingling 
with  exercised  spirits. — No  date. 

The  grandeur  and  sublimity  of  Nature's  works  in- 
spire the  heart  with  gratitude.  Who  can  behold  and  not 
admire  the  works  of  an  Almighty  Creator  ? — Ay?  date. 

May  the  fathers  and  the  mothers  who  cleave  to  the 
law  and  the  testimony  be  strengthened  to  distribute  the 
bread,  with  the  Master's  blessing.  This  bread  will 
satisfy  hungry  souls,  and  strengthen  them  to  seek  an 
acquaintance  with  Him  who  gives  freely  to  those  who 
ask  Him,  if  they  ask  aright. — Ay?  date. 


182  Life  and  Letters  of 

The  iiiisettlement  and  agitation^  in  one  place  and 
another,  are  discouraging ;  and  they  cause  the  Lord's 
servants  to  go  on  their  way  mourning  and  heavy-hearted. 
— No  date. 

I  am  very  favorable  to  Monthly  Meeting  Schools  ; 
believing  that  they  will  prove  a  benefit  to  the  Society. 
— No  date. 

Our  Yearly  Meeting  was  large,  and  it  proved  to  be 
a  very  comfortable  and  favored  season.  The  solemnity 
was  remarkable,  and  a  precious  covering  was  over  us  at 
the  close.  After  the  reading  of  the  concluding  Minute 
it  was  some  time  before  any  one  seemed  ready  to  rise. — 
No  date. 

There  is  much  concern  on  the  subject  of  education  ; 
but  a  good,  substantial,  guarded  education  is  the  kind  to 
which  I  feel  most  bound ;  and  it  is  to  this  that  I  hope 
I  shall  continue  to  look,  rather  than  to  the  fashionable 
*  polish  of  the  day,  so  long  as  I  continue  to  be  at  the  head 
of  an  educational  institution. — No  date. 

I  think  the  life  of  the  religion  of  Jesus  is  very  low, 
indeed ;  and  I  do  not  know  whether  there  is  enough  of 
a  willingness  to  go  down  into  suffering,  baptism,  and 
death  ;  so  as  to  arise  with  Christ,  and  be  able  to  hold 
Him  up  as  the  life  of  the  "Christian  Quaker."  Surely 
we  shall  have  to  undergo  a  shaking,  and  a  purifying, 
that  there  may  be  more  consistency  seen  amongst  a  peo- 
ple making  so  high  a  profession  as  does  the  Society  of 
Friends. — No  date. 

We  think  that   the    Discipline  ought    to   be   more 


Mary  S.  Lippiqcott.  183 

promptly  attended  to  in  cases  of  removal ;  and  especially 
that  Certificates  shonld  go  in  a  regular  channel  to  the 
Monthly  Meetings,  and  not  to  the  individuals  for  whom 
the}^  are  sent.  An  attention  to  order  jDrevents  trouble. 
—1849. 

After  the  interment  of  the  body  of  our  beloved 
friend  Edward  Hicks,  we  dined  with  a  Friend  who  gave 
us  a  production  emanating  from  the  Meeting  for  Suffer- 
ings of  Indiana  Yearly  Meeting.  Not  onl}^  is  the  lan- 
guage true,  but  the  feeling  on  reading  it  was  solemn  ; 
for,  like  Gospel  ministry,  it  is  clothed  with  authority. 
—1849. 

We  lately  visited  our  friend  John  Conily.  He  is 
better,  and  has  been  once  out  at  meeting. — 1849. 

We  have  had  a  ver}^  acceptable  and  truly  edifying 
visit  from  dear  George  Hatton,  who  attended  our  Quar- 
terly Meeting  last  Fifth-day,  and  had  an  appointed 
meeting  in  our  village  that  evening.  His  ministry  is 
deep  and  powerful.  He  preaches  baptizingly.  I  regard 
it  as  a  privilege  to  sit  under  his  ministry,  and  it  is  com- 
forting to  find  that  he  stands  upon  that  ground  upon 
which  stood  our  worthy  predecessors.  Like  that  worthy 
elder,  George  Fox,  he  is  firm  in  the  faithful  support  of 
our  wholesome  Discipline,  and  comely  order.  My  hus- 
band and  myself  took  him  to  Bristol,  Pa.,  on  Sixth-day, 
where  he  had  an  evening  meeting,  which  was  well 
attended  and  highly  favored,  for  he  had  good  service 
therein. 

Next  day  we  went  to  Byberry,  to  the  house  where 


184  Life  and  Letters  of  * 

our  valued  frieud,  John  Comly,  recently  passed  away. 
We  passed  two  days  with  his  children,  and  attended 
Byberr}^  Meeting  on  First-day.  It  was  a  season  to  be 
remembered ;  the  doctrine  plain  and  close,  flowed  freely 
and  largely.  Not  a  feeling  could  arise  to  obstruct  the 
Gospel  stream  ;  and  I  thought  we  could  say,  "  Sing  ye 
unto  the  Lord,  for  He  hath  triiimphed  gloriously,"  &c. 
After  a  solemn  opportunity  at  the  house  of  Sarah  Comly 
we  separated  ;  Nathaniel  Richardson  taking  George  to 
Newtown,  and  we  returning  home,  with  the  sweet  reward 
of  peace. — 1850. 

From  Baltimore  Yearly  Meeting  we  have  favorable 
accounts.  A  good  meeting,  and  several  strangers  in 
attendance;  amongst  them  dear  John  Hunt.  — 1850. 

I  may  suffer  loss  in  best  things,  and  sometimes 
I  fear  that  I  do,  by  not  attending  to  small  duties  from 
home.  Obedience  is  everything  :  you  know  this,  dear 
Friends,  and  though  I  may  be  slack,  yet  would  I  encour- 
a.ge  you  to  let  obedience  keep  pace  with  knowledge,  that 
your  day's  work  may  be  going  on,  in  the  day-time,  a 
peaceful  evening  succeed,  and  at  the  end  the  reward  of 
"  well  done  "  be  yours. — 1850. 

Some  Friends  do  not  agree  with  me  in  my  opposition 
to  divorces.  I  disapprove  of  receiving  any  one  into  the 
Societ}^  who  has  been  divorced  and  remarried. — 1850. 

Too  few  of  the  older  people  seem  to  manifest  that 
tenderness  and  humility  which  are  so  convincing,  and 
so  encouraging  to  those  who  are  younger  in  life,  as  well 
as  in  religious  experience.     Has  our  love  waxed  cold,  or 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  185 

do  tlie  cares  of  this  life  choke  the  seed,  and  render  it 
unfruitful  ?  There  must  be  some  cause  for  this  state  of 
things  among  us.  But  I  suppose  we  must  look  ahead; 
believing  the  Power  is  the  same  that  ever  it  was,  and 
that  the  great  Head  of  the  Church  is  able  to  build  us  up, 
and  establish  us  upon  that  rock  against  which  nothing 
can  prevail. — 1852. 

Oh!  when  I  look  back  at  Society,  as  it  used  to  be, 
in  the  days  of  my  youth,  how  bright  it  appears.  I  hope 
to  see  a  rallying,  and  an  arising  in  brightness,  before 
I  leave  the  world.  I  hope  to  be  more  faithful  and  obedi- 
ent myself,  that  I  may  contribute  my  mite  towards  a 
restoration. — 1852 . 

Our  granddaughter  is  to  be  married  on  Fifth-day, 
at  the  house  of  her  father,  Granville  S.  Woolman,  which 
is  on  the  old  "plantation  "  where  John  Woolman  lived, 
and  where  he  killed  the  robin. — 1852. 

My  husband  has  felt  very  desirous  that  thy  faith 
may  not  fail  thee  ;  but  that  hy  obedience  and  faithful- 
ness in  all  things,  thou  may  be  able  to  keep  on  with  the 
work  required  of  thee,  turning  neither  to  the  right  hand 
nor  to  the  left,  nor  shrinking  from  any  duty. — 1853. 

I  was  pleased  to  hear  from  j'-ou,  through  Sarah 
Hunt,  and  was  glad  to  hear  that  she  homed  at  your 
father's.  Mary  G.  Allen  was  here,  not  long  since ; 
though  her  physical  health  is  frail,  she  is  lively  in 
spirit.  John  Hunt  has  gone  to  the  meetings  in  the  limits 
of  Nottingham  and  Southern  Quarters,  and  Ruth  Pyle 
and  Mary  Pike  to  Bucks  Quarter.      They  are  all  dedi- 

13 


186  Life  and  Letters  of 

cated  servants,  and  I  am  glad  to  hear  of  snch  being  out 
on  religious  visits. — 1853. 

I  think  it  is  much  more  desirable  to  increase  the 
size  of  your  farm,  than  to  let  the  young  people  squander 
to  find  other  business.  How  many,  on  this  very  account, 
have  left  Friends.  How  few  of  our  young  men  are 
found  pursuing  the  path  of  humble  industry  on  their 
farms,  and  yet  what  business  life  is  more  pleasant  than 
an  agricultural  one. — 1853. 

I  felt  near  unity  with  thee  when  first  I  met  thee, 
at  Westtown.  I  have  never  experienced  any  diminution 
of  this  feeling,  and  I  hope  I  never  may. — 1853. 

I  am  fond  of  school  and  of  the  society  of  the  young, 
also  concerned  that  they  may  have  a  guarded  education, 
and  one  that  will  not  puff  them  up  or  place  them  above 
the  swift  witness  for  God  in  their  own  souls.  It  is  also 
my  aim  to  keep  them  from  indulging  in  such  amuse- 
ments as  I  consider  out  of  the  simplicity  of  the  Truth. 
I  am  also  opposed  to  their  reading  works  of  fiction.  I 
find  that  of  those  under  my  care  there  are  many  who 
respect  my  views  and  sympathize  with  my  feelings,  so 
that  counsel  on  these  subjects  may  be  comparable  to 
bread  cast  upon  the  waters. — 1853. 

Oh !  that  the  qualified  laborers  may  go  into  the 
harvest  field  and  thrust  in  the  sickle,  that  the  harvest 
may  be  gathered. — 1853. 

Oh,  that  we  may  all  keep  humble,  in  the  nothing- 
ness of  self!  then,  though  the  potsherds  of  the  earth 
smite  together,  we  shall  not  be  hurt. — 1853. 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  '  187 

The  disciples  of  Jesus  were  always  a  despised  few  ; 
buffeted,  reviled,  spit  upon  ;  but  strength  has  ever  been 
given  to  endure  all  things,  and  suffer  all  things,  that 
their  jo}^  might  be  full. — 1853. 

We  attended  Baltimore  Yearly  Meeting,  which  was 
large,  and  for  the  most  part  favored.  Latterly  some  of 
their  pillars  have  been  removed  by  death,  which  depri- 
vation they  sensibly  feel. — 1853. 

Dear  John  Jewett  seems  meek  as  a  child,  and 
Susanna  is  very  much  missed.  Nicholas  and  Margaret 
Brown  are  in  ^ood  keeping^  cheerful,  yet  feeling  much 
concerned  for  the  welfare  of  Society.  They  expressed 
their  near  and  dear  unity  with  thee.  We  made  them  a 
visit  last  summer,  and  a  very  pleasant  one  it  was,  being 
the  fulfilment  of  what  we  had  long  desired. — 1853. 

Restore  S.  Lamb  is  in  the  Southern  States  on  a 
religious  visit.  We  have  a  letter  from  him  written  in 
Richmond,  Virginia,  in  which  he  speaks  of  having  been 
kindly  received.  He  has  had  a  number  of  interviews 
with  ministers  of  other  denominations.  He  thinks  that 
the  way  to  effect  the  great  work  of  emancipation,  would 
be  to  go  among  the  slave-holders  and  expostulate  with 
them. — 1853. 

We  consider  ourselves  of  too  little  account,  and  too 
weak  to  strengthen  the  hands  of  a  dear,  tried  brother, 
to  whom  we  feel  knit  in  the  fellowship  of  the  Gospel  of 
Christ.— 1853. 

I  do  not  marvel  that  there  are  few  so  devoted  as 
were    our    early    Friends.       vSo    many    have    cumbering 


188  •  Life  and  Letters  of 

cares,  whereby  to  plead,  "  I  pray  thee  have  me  excused." 
I  think,  however,  there  are  many  that  love  the  principle, 
and  some  that  are  even  willing  to  bear  the  cross. — 1853. 

The  world's  polish  makes  a  beautiful  outside ;  and 
carved  work,  in  this  "  refined  age,"  is  more  admired  than 
substantial  material.  But  what  would  the  carving  be 
worth  if  the  substance  upon  which  it  is  wrought  be  of 
no  value. — 1853. 

Nothing  can  preserve  us,  as  a  religious  body,  but 
the  Truth,  plain  and  simple  as  it  is,  uncouth  as  it  may 
sound  to  the  worldly  ear. — 1853. 

How  happy  those  who  can  keep  in  the  peaceable 
spirit  of  Jesus,  firm  and  steadfast,  but  meek  and  patient. 
The  lion  and  the  lamb  shall  dwell  together.  I  am 
thankful  that  my  lot  has  been  cast  amongst  Friends  ; 
yet  I  mourn  over  our  Society,  seeing  that  our  faith 
appears  to  be  too  nearly  allied  to  that  "  which  is  overcome 
by  the  world."  As  the  world  takes  possession  of  our 
hearts,  we  run  out  into  its  spirit,  into  pride,  high-mind- 
edness,  covetousness,  and  into  many  new  and  foolish 
notions  and  speculations. — 1854. 

Mind  the  Light,  a  light  that  shines  within,  en- 
lightening the  conscience  iintil  the  day  dawn,  and  the 
Day-star  arise  in  the  heart,  and  direct  us  to  the  Young 
Child,  who  is  the  Son  of  promise,  to  sit  upon  the 
throne  forever.  The  Light  gives  "  certain  evidence  of 
Divine  Truth" — not  speculative  notions  and  theories, 
nay,  verily  !   but  a  clear  sight  of  spiritual  things,  and  a 


Mary  S.  Lippiqcott.  189 

true  discernment  of  the  spirits  of  those  who  promulgate 
them. — 1854. 

The  late  Yearly  Meeting  in  Ohio,  though  weak  as 
to  numbers,  afforded  some  encouragement ;  for  a  solidity 
was  present  which  furnished  evidence  of  a  travail  in 
Zion. — 1854. 

I  am  pleased  to  find  that  there  is  a  general  interest 
and  concern  on  the  subject  of  education,  and  a  desire 
that  our  schools  be  taught  by  those  are  not  merely 
mcnibos,  but  who  are  consistent  Friends.  Karl}'  im- 
pressions are  lasting,  and  the  example  set  the  children, 
and  the  influences  surrounding  them,  are  likely  to  oper- 
ate either  favorably  or  unfavorably.  Hence  the  im- 
portance of  their  receiving  moral  and  religious  training 
along  with  the  intellectual.  Too  many  disregard  our 
testimonies  in  favor  of  plainness,  and  the  avoidance  of 
amusements,  &c.,  thus  making  it  difiicult  for  those  who 
are  concerned  on  these  points  to  have  our  schools  care- 
fully guarded  against  innovations.  Of  course  there  is 
no  objection  to  innocent  childish  sport,  either  at  school 
or  at  home.  Play  is  natural  to  the  young,  and  we  would 
not  forbid,  but  carefully  regulate  these  sports.  In  our 
Yearly  Meeting,  we  are  encouraged  to  persevere  in  es- 
tablishing Friends'  schools. — 1854. 

Friends  were  raised  up  to  be  a  peculiar  people ;  a 
plain,  self-denying  people,  led  and  guided  by  ttie  Holy 
Spirit  into  a  spiritual  and  heavenly  way.  —1854. 

Many  are  like  the  dove  going  forth  from  the  ark, 
and  finding  no  rest  for  their  feet,  because  the  unstable 


190  Life  and  Letters  of 

element  covers  tlie  earth.  The  waters  have  not  subsided, 
but  are  agitated  by  every  wind  of  doctrine.  Oh,  when, 
to  these  unsettled  ones  will  the  solid  land  appear? 
When  will  the}'  be  drawn  to  meet  together  and  worship 
around  the  Son,  each  sitting  under  his  vine,  and  under 
his  fig-tree,  where  none  can  make  afraid? — 1854. 

If  Friends  who  are  real  Friends  would  only  be  firm, 
a  better  time  would  soon  come  ;  because  that  which  is  of 
man  would  be  judged  down,  the  power  of  the  Highest 
would  be  sustained,  and  his  devoted  servants  would  be 
sustained  ///  that  power. — 1854. 

None  but  the  redeemed  of  the  Lord  can  support  our 
testimonies  in  their  integrity.  None  but  those  who  have 
obeyed  the  call  to  come  out  of  Babylon. — 1854. 

We  were  glad  to  hear  of  your  welfare,  also  that  yoii 
were  favored  with  a  comfortable  Yearl}^  Meeting.  The 
man}'  deficiencies  cause  the  Lord's  servants  to  go  on 
their  way  mourning ;  yet,  we  find  that  there  are  still 
those  of  the  true  seed  whose  faith  remains  unchanged, 
and  this  is  cause  for  encouragement. — 1854. 

The  outlook  toward  j^our  place  is  pleasant,  for  we 
think  that  the  Light  is  shining  there ;  and  that  it  will 
yet  shine  brighter,  causing  an  increase,  and  an  in-gath- 
ering.—1854. 

We  had  a  very  large  and  interesting  Yearly  Meet- 
ing. Greater  solemnity  and  harmony,  perhaps,  have  not 
been  known  within  our  recollection,  throughout  all  the 
sittings.  We  have  cause  to  feel  gratitude  to  the  great 
Giver  of  all  good. — 1855. 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  191 

I  believe  if  we  know  the  Father  and  the  Son,  and 
own  them  ;  we  shall  also  know  the  purpose  of  Christ's 
coming-  in  a  prepared  body. — 1855. 

If  parents  would  come  into  simplicity  and  self- 
denial,  then  I  believe  the  dear  children  would  be  gath- 
ered, and  turned  away  from  seeking  enjoyment  in  those 
alluring   things   which   are    so   fleeting    and    uncertain, 

-1855- 

Your  epistles  always  meet  with  a  cordial  welcome, 

for  they  conve}^  the  evidence  that  you  are  of  the  house- 
hold of  faith.  Yea,  of  that  faith,  not  only  once  delivered 
to  the  saints,  but  that  continues  to  be  delivered  in  every 
age  and  generation  to  the  saints  in  Christ  Jesus. — 1855. 

We  have  reason  to  comprehend  the  things  of  a  man ; 
but  a  spirit  in  man  by  which  to  know  the  things  per- 
taining to  God.  The  attempt  to  substitute  reason  for 
revelation,  is  the  result  of  man's  having  partaken  of  the 
forbidden  fruit. — 1855. 

How  serious,  how  weighty  is  the  consideration  of 
the  many  sayings  uttered  by  the  blessed  Jesus,  concern- 
ing those  who  would  not  ozvn  Him. — 1855. 

Friends  have  always  acknowledged  Christ,  the  Head 
of  the  Church,  the  Light  and  the  Life. — 1855. 

I  think  it  is  a  privilege  to  move  in  a  plain  way^ 
even  in  school ;  teaching  only  those  branches  that  are 
useful  and  substantial. — 1856. 

It  takes  many  baptisms  and  deaths,  before  we  be- 
come regenerated  and  born  again,  and  know  of  a  cer- 
tainty that  we  have  passed  from  death  unto  life,  because 


192  Life  and  Letters  of 

we  love  the  brethren.  It  is  only  after  this  regeneration 
that  we  can  "  bless  them  that  curse  "  us,  and  pray  for 
them  that  "  despitefully  use"  us.  This  is  what  I  desire 
to  attain  to,  and  to  be  established  in. — 1856. 

Did  you  see  the  account  of  the  burning  of  the  ferry- 
boat on  the  Delaware  River  ?  So  many  lives  lost,  so 
near  to  the  shore,  it  seems  almost  unaccountable. — 1856. 

Dear  Friends,  ui}-  love  flows  toward  you,  with  de- 
sires that  the  Lord  will  bless  you  with  the  continued 
incomes  of  light  and  life  into  3'our  souls,  to  make  you 
"fruitful  in  the  field  of  offering,  and  jo3''ful  in  the  house 
of  prayer."  "  Greater  is  He  that  is  in  you,  than  he  that 
is  in  the  world." — 1856. 

The  tide  of  fashion  runs  strong  and  swift,  threaten- 
ing to  overwhelm  all ;  but  there  is  a  Power  that  can  stay 
its  mighty  waves.  There  is  encouragement  from  behold- 
ing the  number  (even  in  the  ^^ounger  walks  of  life)  who 
love  our  meetings,  and  manifest  an  interest  in  our  prin- 
ciples and  testimonies,  including  the  one  in  favor  of 
plainness  of  speech  and  apparel.  If  these  keep  their 
places  they  will  be  first  stripped,  and  then  clothed  with 
the  whole  armor  of  light. — 1856. 

I  suppose  the  privilege  with  3^ou,  in  your  meetings, 
as  with  Friends  elsewhere,  is  to  suffer  as  well  as  to 
rejoice;  for  the  seed  is  under  suffering,  and  is  pressed 
down,  "  as  a  cart  is  pressed  that  is  under  sheaves." — 
1856. 

We  desire  that  you  be  faithful  and  obedient  in  all 
things  ;  remembering  that  strength  is  furnished  accord- 


Mary  S,  Lippincott.  1Q3 

ing  to  the  need.  The  reward  for  obedience  and  dedica- 
tion is  sweet  peace  even  while  in  this  life,  and  in  that 
which  is  to  come,  "Joy  unspeakable." — 1856. 

Oh,  that  I  may  stand  upon  the  watch-tower,  and 
keep  in  a  prayerful  state,  that  I  may  be  preserved  in 
humble  estimation  of  self.  I  have  none  to  fear  so  much 
as  myself. — 1857. 

We  had  a  large  meeting  yesterday,  and  both  sittings 
were  much  favored.  They  seemed  like  good  old  times 
when  "  they  that  feared  the  Lord  spake  often  one  to  an- 
other, and  a  book  of  remembrance  was  made."  Harmony 
and  sisterly  love  seemed  to  abound,  and  the  solemn  quiet 
gave  evidence  that  the  good  Shepherd  had  us  in  his 
keeping.— 1857. 

Our  friend  Jacob  S.  Willets  (son  of  Samuel)  was 
bitten  by  a  rabid  dog  on  the  first  of  Sixth  Month. 
About  a  week  ago  he  died  of  h3^drophobia.  It  was  a  dis- 
tressing case. — 1857. 

My  husband's  health  is  very  poor  ;  he  has  been  ill 
several  times  within  the  past  two  months.  He  is  advised 
to  go  to  the  shore  (should  he  get  able),  and  even  if  not 
strong  enough  to  take  a  surf  bath,  the  inhalation  of  the 
salt  air,  it  is  thought  will  invigorate  him. — 1857, 

Elisha  Hunt  is  rather  better.  Sarah  went  to  Gene- 
see Yearly  Meeting,  but  hastened  home,  not  feeling  easy 
to  be  long  absent  from  her  husband.  The  aged  are  pass- 
ing away,  and  some  of  those  who  remain  are  quite 
feeble. — 1857. 

My  husband  has  been  more  comfortable  during  the 


1Q4  Life  and  Letters  of 

past  few  weeks  ;  he  is  now  better  thau  his  friends  ever 
expected  to  see  him  again,  and  as  he  has  survived  the 
summer,  he  ma}^  continue  awhile  longer.  He  gets  out 
to  meeting  pretty  regularly ;  and  frequently  takes  a 
short  ride  in  the  forenoon,  when  the  weather  is  pleasant. 
His  brother  Abraham  Lippincott,  and  his  nephew  Peter 
Lippiucott,  both  died  recently  ;  the  latter  ver}^  siiddenly 
in  Cherry  Street  Meeting.  Many,  very  many,  of  our 
dear  relatives  and  friends,  are  passing  away,  and  oh  ! 
\vhat  a  change  it  makes  in  the  social  circle,  and  in  our 
religious  meetings.  But  this  is  a  changing  state.  To 
be  read}^  and  willing  to  go  hence,  when  the  time  conies, 
is  of  all  things  most  to  be  desired. — 1857. 

Oh  !  how  I  desire  that  Friends  may  draw^  near  to 
the  well  of  life,  and  there  wait,  to  receive  from  the  Mas- 
ter living  water,  and  to  dispense  only  what  they  receive 
from  Him  ;  that  when  they  invite,  it  nia}^  be  to  ''Come, 
see  a   man   which   told  me  all  things  that  ever  I  did." 

—1857- 

Silence  has  held  dominion  over  my  pen,  but  it  is  not 

an  instance  of  "affection's  stream  arrested  in  its  course." 
I  have  been  too  much  occupied  to  write  to  my  friends, 
however  much  I  desired  to  do  so.  Oh,  how  the  world 
engrosses  me !  Even  when  I  feel  as  though  it  is  all  as 
nothing  to  me,  and  when  I  seek  retirement  and  seclu- 
sion, I  have  to  be  conspicuous.  But  perhaps  it  is  all 
right ;   for  I  was  not  created  for  myself  alone. — 1857. 

It  seems  as  if  a  great  deal  has  occurred  since  I  last 
saw  thee ;  and  though  much  has  been  done,  yet  I  hardly 


Mary  S.  Lippincott,  195 

know  liow  to  refer  to  it,  to  aii}'  advantage.  But  to  poor 
self  I  can  refer,  and  tell  thee  that  the  old  Reasoner  has 
made  me  a  good  deal  of  trouble,  in  persuading  me  that 
I  could  not  leave  home  to  finish  my  visit  to  the  meetings 
of  Bucks  Quarter.  Oh,  what  poverty  of  spirit  is  the 
result !  or  has  been,  until  it  seemed  as  though  all  good 
was  gone,  and  I  was  left  as  in  the  barren  desert.  By 
suifering  I  have  been  made  willing  to  go  and  finish  this 
work  ;  after  which  I  trust  I  ma}-  be  permitted,  for  the 
present,  to  sta^^  at  home  and  attend  to  my  temporal 
concerns.  I  have  been  feeling  greatly  discouraged,  and 
sometimes  almost  ready  to  give  out  by  the  way, — 1857. 
Our  school  is  full,  and  we  could  not  accommodate 
all  that  applied  to  enter.  We  have  a  very  pleasant 
company  of  pupils,  and  get  along  satisfactorily  in  every 
department.  When  a  load  is  ready,  and  there ns  force 
enough  applied  to  start  the  wheel,  it  will  roll  around 
with  apparent  ease  ;  so  we  find  it  to  be  in  this  establish- 
ment, I  do  love  school,  and  love  to  mingle  with  the 
young.  We  have  one  pupil  (about  eighteen  years  of 
age),  who  wears  a  plain  silk  bonnet.  She  is  a  lovely 
girl,  and  quite  a  favorite  with  the  others.  I  have  not 
heard  of  one  passing  remark  that  was  unkind  or  unbe- 
coming, having  been  made  by  her  schoolmates  con- 
cerning her.  This,  I  think,  is  an  evidence  of  the  re- 
spectful demeanor  of  our  pupils.  I  hope  that  this  feeling 
may  continue,  and  that  the  young  members  of  our  Society 
may  come  to  see  the  propriety  of  a  simple  dress  and  of 
its  consistency  with  our  profession.     Oh,  how  well  do  I 


106  Life  and  Letters  of- 

remember  the  cross  I  had  to  bear,  when,  for  the  sake  of 
peace  of  mind,  I  had  to  put  on  a  plain  dress,  and  become 
a  subject  of  remark,  and  sometimes  even  of  ridicule. 
But  there  was  a  sustaining  Power  that  enabled  me  to 
despise  the  shame,  and  that  became  to  me  /a/-  more  than 
any  worldly  enjoyment. — 1857. 

I  feel  it  obligatory  upon  me  to  observe  plainness 
and  moderation,  and  it  has  become  easy  to  me  to  do  so, 
onl}^  by  bearing  the  cross.  I  think  that  examples  in 
these  things  (economy,  as  well  as  the  cut  and  shape  of 
the  garment)  are  abundantly  wanting  in  this  day,  when 
luxur}^  and  superfluity  are  so  much  indulged  in,  and 
when  many  plume  themselves,  and  seem  ready  to  fly  off 
into  the  air. — -1857. 

Ah  !  there  is  but  one  way  for  Friends,  and  that  is 
the  go(*i  old  way  of  implicit  obedience,  of  a  submission 
to  the  cross  of  Christ. — 1857. 

Isaac  has  been  more  poorly,  and  he  has  again  very 
wearisome  nights.  He  has  been  much  resigned  to  his 
sufferings,  and  to  the  prospect  of  not  being  a  great  while 
with  us  ;  but  satisfied,  I  think,  to  leave  all  to  the  great 
Disposer  of  events,  believing  that  He  doeth  all  things 
well.— 1857. 

In  wisdom  are  the  ways  of  Providence,  and  He 
worketh  wonders  in  the  deep.  Finite  beings  cannot 
scan  Omnipotence,  neither  can  they  comprehend  his 
mysterious  workings,  nor  search  into  the  secret  things 
which  belong  to  God.  It  is  enough  for  us  to  know  and 
believe  that  He  is  good,  and  that  He  designs  to  bless 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  197 

the  inhabitants  of  the  earth,  and  to  bestow  happiness 
upon  all  the  rational  family  upon  these  terms,  that  we 
repent  and  be  baptized  with  the  baptism  of  the  Holy 
Ghost  and  of  fire.  Did  we  not  believe  in  God,  mani- 
fested in  Jesus  Christ — did  we  not  believe  in  a  Saviour 
and  Redeemer,  ever  present  and  ready  to  save  and  to 
help,  where  should  we  flee  in  time  of  trouble  ?  To  whom 
should  we  look  when  every  earthly  dependence  fails  ? — 
1858. 

Dear  Cousin  S  !  How  often  have  I  thought  of  the 
sweetness  of  her  spirit,  and  especially  so  since  her  last 
visit  to  us.  Well,  she  lived  a  very  innocent,  and  as  I 
think,  happy  life.  She  had  an  affectionate  husband  and 
kind  children,  and  lived,  we  must  believe,  the  time 
allotted  her  in  this  state  of  change  ;  and  now,  we  trust, 
she  has  received  a  crown  immortal  and  unfading.  Her 
precious  spirit  was  covered  as  with  a  mantle  that  in 
its  descending  may  rest  upon  those  who  beheld  her 
departure.  May  the  everlasting  Arm  be  made  bare  to 
uphold  thee,  and  to  encircle  th}-  precious  offspring. — 
1858. 

In  my  stripping  and  loneliness  I  feel  poor,  un- 
worthy of  the  least  favor,  and  not  qualified  to  give  even 
a  cup  of  cold  water  to  the  thirsty  traveler ;  yet  since 
the  reception  of  thy  kind  and  deeply  interesting  letter, 
I  have  felt  more  than  I  can  express,  and  I  thought  a 
little  reply  might  not  intrude  upon  thy  quiet  meditation. 
-1858. 

During  the  last  two  months  of  his  life,  my  beloved 


198  Life  and  Letters  of 

husband  was  able  to  say  that  his  work  was  done  ;  that 
his  greatest  desire  and  concern  through  life  had  been 
to  serve  his  Divine  Master  ;  that  he  had  endeavored  to 
be  faithful,  and  for  months,  by  day  and  by  night,  he 
had  enjoyed  continual  peace  amid  much  bodily  suffering. 
To  be  thus  sustained  at  the  last  is  what  I  greatly  desire 
for  myself  and  for  others. — 1858. 

In  pondering  over  the  m3^sterious  formation  of  man, 
I  cannot  but  believe  that  he  is  designed  to  be  as  happy 
here^  as  his  capacity  will  admit,  and  that  nothing  is 
wanting  to  the  perfecting  of  this  but  entire  resignation 
to  the  Divine  will.  A  willingness  to  be  led  and  guided 
by  the  unerring  spirit  of  Truth  will  lead  by  rivers  of 
pleasure  that  .water  the  earth,  as  they  flow  on  to  the 
Infinite  Sea,  where  death  is  swallowed  up  in  immortality. 
-1859. 

Though  surrounded  by  a  large  and  interesting 
family,  I  often  feel  lonely  for  the  want  of  some  one  to 
confer  with,  who  would  be  interested,  as  I  am,  in  things 
nearer  and  dearer  to  me  than  are  the  affairs  of  this  life. 
I  pass  very  many  such  lonely  hours,  and  trust  that  I  am 
resigned  to  pass  them  ;  believing  it  may  prove  to  be  for 
my  greatest  good.  M}-  children,  teachers  and  pupils 
are  very  kind  and  attentive ;  and  Friends,  too,  remember 
me,  and  many  of  them  visit  me  in  love.  Yes,  I  have 
many  favors  for  which  I  am  thankful,  though  there  is  a 
void  left,  by  the  removal  of  my  dear  partner,  which 
none  can  fill.  I  have,  however,  the  sweet  consolation 
that   he   rests   in   peace,  and   this   reconciles  me  to  the 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  199 

separation,  and  raises  me  above  drooping  in  sadness,  as 
I  otherwise  should,  without  my  outward  armor-bearer. — 
1859. 

Our  dear  friends  Nicholas  and  Margaret  Brown, 
made  their  home  at  our  house,  while  attending  our 
Quarterly  Meeting.  They  are  green  in  old  age,  and 
stand  upright  in  support  of  the  good  old  "  Quaker " 
doctrine  and  Discipline.  They  are  quick-sighted  to 
discover  error,  and  way  is  wonderfully  made  to  receive 
their  testimonies. — 1859. 

We  have  had  too  much  oratory  and  head-knowledge 
in  the  name  of  religion ;  and  the  people  have  (some  of 
them,  at  least)  been  carried  off  into  speculation.  From 
this  there  is  a  warning  voice  to  come  away  and  be  sepa- 
rate, that  the  garment  may  be  undefiled,  the  heart  made 
pure,  and  a  heart  religion  be  ours.  Absolom  had  a 
beautiful  head  of  hair,  and  great  account  was  made  of 
polling  his  hair,  but  when  he  was  about  to  be  proclaimed 
king,  his  locks  proved  to  be  the  cause  of  his  destruction, 
and  the  people  whose  hearts  he  had  stolen  away,  re- 
turned and  gave  their  allegiance  to  the  lawful  king. 
Things  transpire  alike  in  different  ages.  Man  is  vain 
and  imaginative  ;  but  when  he  becomes  lifted  up  in  his 
haughtiness,  there  is  a  Power  that  can  intercept  his 
course  and  thwart  his  plans.  None  are  safe,  but  as  they 
continue  in  a  state  of  watchfulness  unto  prayer. — 1859. 

I  have  my  hours  of  loneliness  amid  the  young  and 
buoyant,  who  are  looking  forward  to  an  auspicious  future 
in  this  life.     They  behold  a  beautiful  world  before  them, 


200  Life  and  Letters  of 

unfolding  joys  that  gladden  their  hearts  and  cause  them 
to  delight  in  existence.  Oh  !  did  they  always  keep  so 
in  the  innocency  as  never  to  mar  the  Divine  impress, 
how  would  the  waves  of  happiness  roll  on  in  due  suc- 
cession, without  anything  to  arrest  their  flow.  Even 
the  probations,  meted  out  to  sentient  beings,  would  in- 
crease the  happiness,  for  each  new  trial  would  loosen  a 
link  in  the  chain  that  binds  to  earth,  and  rivet  one  in 
that  which  draws  to  Heaven. — 1859. 

Your  letter  was  both  fresh  and  cheering,  as  an 
emanation  of  Gospel  love,  comparable  to  a  messenger 
bearing  glad  tidings  from  the  good  Land. — 1859. 

The  ornaments  of  dress,  where  there  is  a  fondness 
for  them,  are  comparable  to  the  little  foxes  that  have 
their  hiding-places  from  which  they  come  out  to  hurt 
the  tender  vines.  How  I  long  to  see  the  sweet-spirited 
young  men  and  young  women,  very  many  of  whom  are 
near  and  dear  to  my  best  life.  Coming  under  the  pre- 
paring and  forming  Hand,  and  thiis  being  fitted  for 
usefulness  in  the  Church. — 1859. 

My  Heavenly  Father  found  me,  in  early  life,  ex- 
posed to  snares  and  temptations  ;  and  often  when  I  was 
in  the  depth  of  sorrow,  known  only  to  myself,  He  kept 
the  guardian  angel  of  his  presence  near,  and  wonderfully 
made  a  way  for  my  preservation.  Though  I  was  often 
rebellious,  A^et  before  my  twentieth  3^ear  I  renounced  the 
world,  with  its  pleasures,  its  gayety,  and  its  vanity ; 
and  endured  the  cross,  despising  the  shame.  I  have 
never  had    reason    to  regret   this   renunciation,   having 


Mary  S.  Lippiqcott.  201 

found  so  much  solid  comfort  and  satisfaction,  and  be- 
lieving that  all  my  trials  have  been  blest  to  me.  Such 
would  be  the  case  with  our  young  people  now,  if  they 
would  only  submit  to  the  yoke  of  Christ,  though  I 
would  have  them  be  more  faithful  than  I  have  been. 
But  how  many  we  see,  even  till  middle  life,  who  flit  like 
the  butterfly  in  the  summer  sun.  These,  peradventure, 
will  3^et  be  gathered  in  the  Heavenly  enclosure  and 
come  forth  in  brightness,  after  some  of  our  heads  have 
been  laid  low.     Such,  at  least,  is  my  hope. — 1859. 

I  am  obliged  to  R.  H.  for  the  part  that  he  is  taking 
in  preparing  for  the  press  a  revision  of  Murray's  Readers, 
than  which  none  have  ever  better  suited  me.  I  find  it 
difficult  to  procure  books  in  which  the  plain  language  is 
adhered  to.  Even  our  grammars  depart  from  it,  though 
I  try  in  my  teaching  to  sustain  it. — 1862. 

With  all  its  imperfections,  I  hope  our  Society  is 
gaining  ground.  Our  meetings  are  increasingly  solemn, 
as  well  as  large,  though  the  mid-week  meetings  in  some 
places  are  not  so  well  attended  as  they  ought  to  be. 
Many  valuable  Friends  have  been  gathered  to  their 
fathers,  and  we  feel  the  stripping  ;  but  we  hope  that 
others  are  under  the  preparing  Hand,  and  that  in  time 
they  will  come  forward  for  service. — 1864. 

Elisha  Hunt  and  wife,  and  William  Folwell  and 
wife  are  still  able  to  mingle  with  their  Friends.  My 
dear  husband's  brothers  are  all  gone.  How  I  miss  him 
and  them  !  They  were  happy,  cheerful  men.  Restore 
S.  Lamb  is  feeble,  as  is   also  Mary  G.  Allen.      Other 

14 


202  Life  and  Letters  of 

Friends,  hereaway,  are  mostly  in  usual  health,  though 
many  are  growing  old. — 1S64. 

I  would  that  the  mourners  in  Zion  might  multiply. 
Their  prayers  are  not  offered  in  vain,  neither  are  their 
tears  shed  for  naught.  My  spirit  salutes  the  Lord's 
servants,  and  desires  their  health  and  prosperity. — 1864. 

Among  the  absent  ones  whom  I  often  visit,  in 
thought,  is  your  venerable  father — m}-  long-tried  and 
beloved  friend  in  the  fellowship  of  the  Gospel.  His 
voice  fell  sweetly  on  my  ear,  and  the  message  reached 
my  heart,  in  my  youthful  days,  when  I  was  fervently 
engaged  in  seeking  the  pathway  to  Zion.  Never  /ess 
dear  has  he  been  to  me,  as  a  father  in  the  Church,  and 
I  trust  a  pillar  in  God's  house. — 1865. 

I  should  love  to  meet  you  often  during  our  earthly 
sojourn ;  but  if  we  cannot  meet  face  to  face,  I  hope  our 
spirits  may  often  mingle  in  the  holy  sanctuary,  where 
there  is  a  communion,  which  the  commotions  of  the 
world  cannot  disturb,  and  where  strength  is  furnished 
to  move  upward  and  forward  towards  that  Land  of  rest, 
whither  I  trust  we  are  wending  our  way,  and  where  we 
shall  meet  to  part  no  more. — 1865. 

If  thoughts  could  write,  I  do  not  know  how  volu- 
minous would  be  the  packages  received  by  my  absent 
friends. — 1865. 

When  I  call  up,  and  view  on  memory's  page,  a  host 
of  worthies,  both  those  in  this  world  and  those  in  the 
world  to  come,  they  seem  to  pass  in  review  before  my 
mental  vision,  to  gladden  nxy  solitary  hours.     It  is  good 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  203 

to  see  them  thus,  to  know  that  such  have  been,  and 
some  yet  are,  walking  on  this  goodly  earth  of  ours,  as 
pilgrims  seeking  a  far-off  country  where  change  is  not, 
and  where  trials  never  come, — 1865. 

By  strong  cords  of  affection,  I  am  bound  to  the 
human  race ;  and  the  farther  I  advance  towards  the 
termination  of  all  things  here  below,  the  more  is  my 
heart  enlarged  in  feelings  of  kindness,  tenderness,  com- 
passion and  sympathy,  towards  dear  friends,  and  towards 
erring,  wayward  brethren  and  sisters  as  well ;  so  that 
my  heart  breathes  forth  spontaneous  aspirations  on 
behalf  of  all.  Without  the  guidance  of  the  Holy  Spirit 
man  is  frail  and  prone  to  do  evil  ;  but  when  obedient 
to  the  still,  small  voice,  he  is  only  a  little  lower  than  the 
angels. — 1865. 

Oh,  that  the  Spirit  that  covered  our  forefathers 
might  cover  us  of  this  generation  !  that  we  might,  as 
a  Society,  put  our  hands  to  the  plow  and  not  turn  back. 
If  we  would  only  draw  more  and  more  together,  around 
the  one  Head,  Christ,  and  learn  of  Him,  not  attempting 
to  lean  upon  our  own  understanding,  I  believe  we  should 
yet  be  a  blessing  to  the  world. — 1866. 

Friends  mingling  in  visiting  families,  neighboring 
meetings,  &c.,  under  a  concern^  has  I  think,  a  salutary 
influence  in  binding  more  closely  together,  and  in  awak- 
ening a  desire  to  be  more  diligent  in  the  attendance  of 
mid-week  meetings,  and  in  the  support  of  other  testi- 
monies. But  ever3^thing  promotive  of  advantage  must 
be  done  through  a  right  concern.     I  have,  for  some  ^^ears 


204  Life  and  Letters  of 

past,  had  a  First-day  school  for  my  pupils,  which  I  trust 
has  proved  profitable  to  them,  and  I  have  myself  been 
instructed.  It  brings  me  much  with  them  on  that  day, 
and  ofttimes  opens  the  way  for  me,  as  I  feel  it,  to  hold 
up  the  religion  of  Jesus  Christ,  and  the  confirmation 
by  the  New  Testament,  of  the  Truths  stated  in  the  Old. 
—1867. 

When  the  infirmities  of  age  overtake  our  parents, 
and  other  aged  ones,  we  should  be  patient  with  them, 
and  tender  as  they  were  of  us,  in  the  days  of  our  child- 
hood. Several  who  remain  in  mutability  are  feeble, 
bodily  and  mentall}^ ;  but  I  trust  that  the  better  part  is 
in  safe-keeping. — 1867. 

I  accompanied  my  brother  and  his  wife  to  their 
Quarterly  Meeting,  held  at  Fallston,  Maryland,  having 
obtained  a  Minute  for  that  service.  I  believe  I  was  in 
my  right  place  in  going,  and  I  was  abundantly  helped, 
to  my  humbling  admiration,  to  show  what  constitutes 
a  t7^ue  Friend^  what  are  the  duties  of  such  a  one,  and 
whence  comes  the  qualification  to  discharge  these  duties 
aright. — 1867. 

As  many,  and  some  of  these  among  the  young,  see 
the  evil  tendency  of  this  restless  spirit^  we  have  hope  that 
deliverance  will  come,  and  that  there  will  be  a  coming 
up  out  of  the  mixture,  in  our  ancient  beauty  and  clear- 
ness. The  love  of  the  world's  maxims,  customs  and 
policies  has  caused  our  leanness,  and  hindered  our  ad- 
vancement. So  much  lecturing,  oratory  and  running 
to  and  fro,  that  the  time  for  silent  meditation  seems  to 


Mary  S.  Lippiricott.  205 

be  placed  afar  off.  Silence  is  the  state  in  which  to  learn 
wisdom ;  indwelling  with  the  Holy  Spirit,  waiting  to 
hear  and  obey. — 1867. 

I  often  visit,  mentally,  my  many  Western  friends, 
and  feel  fervent  desires  for  yonr  encouragement  in  the 
right  line.  Faithfulness  brings  its  reward,  though  little 
fruit  may  appear.  "  Be  thou  faithful  unto  death  and  I 
will  give  thee  a  crown  of  life."  Oh  the  crown,  the 
glorious  crown  !  How  we  desire  it  for  ourselves  and  for 
our  dear  children.  Yes,  the  dear  children  claim  our 
constant  anxiety  and  concern,  even  when  they  are  com- 
fortably reposing  in  sleep.  This  concern,  I  believe,  is 
not  lost,  though  at  times  we  may  see  no  good  effects. 
Let  us  trust  and  hope  for  the  future.  There  is  tender- 
ness in  many  of  the  young,  and  in  time  they  may  be 
broken  in  upon,  with  a  Power  which  they  cannot  with- 
stand. A  time  of  gathering  may  come,  ere  our  bodies 
are  laid  in  the  silent  grave. — 1867. 

Klisha  and  Sarah  Hunt  are  in  usual  health,  though 
the  former  goes  out  but  little,  owing  to  his  age  and  a 
stiffness  in  his  limbs.  He  is  very  bright  mentally  and 
tender  spirited. — 1867. 

I  have  recently  attended  the  funeral  of  the  wife  of 
Joseph  Horner,  a  valued  Friend ;  also  that  of  my  dear 
cousin,  Dr.  N.  Shoemaker,  of  Philadelphia. — 1868. 

In  our  Yearly  Meeting  we  are  often  burdened  with 
much  speaking,  but  this  year,  in  both  Philadelphia  and 
New  York,  I  thought  we  had  favored  periods  of  solemn 
silence. — 1868. 


206  Life  and  Letters  of 

I  have  thought  for  3'ears  past,  that  in  some  places 
the  removals  from  country  neighborhoods  to  cities  have 
been  a  serious  disadvantage  to  our  Society,  having  led 
out  of  a  plain  way  of  living  and  a  plain  way  of  preach- 
ing.—1868. 

Hannah  Stephens  died  suddenly,  at  her  nephew's, 
near  Mt.  Holly,  where  she  and  her  sister  were  making 
a  visit.  Last  Seventh-da}^  I  saw  her  niece,  who  said 
that  aunt  H.  had  not  been  very  well,  and  that  she  would 
be  unable  to  attend  Yearly  Meeting.  She  was  a  valuable 
Friend.— 1868. 

Where  children  do  all  they  can  to  help  and  comfort 
their  parents,  how  much  they  can  lighten  the  burdens  of 
age  and  infirmity. — 1868. 

I  recently  wrote  to  our  aged  Friend,  George  Hatton, 
whom  I  have  regarded  ever  since  my  youthful  da3^s, 
as  my  valued  friend  and  counselor  in  spiritual  things. 
How  often  has  he  sounded  the  Gospel  trumpet  in  large 
assemblies,  to  the  warning  of  the  rebellious  and  way- 
ward, and  to  the  comforting  of  the  mourners  in  Zion, 
and  the  heavy-hearted  in  Jerusalem. — 1868. 

I  did  not  suppose  that would  be  a  desirable 

place  for  you  to  choose  as  a  home.  Friends  there  have 
decreased  in  numbers,  and  the  cause  of  this  decrease 
may  perhaps  be  attributed  to  three  conditions,  one  being 
general  and  the  other  two  special  :  unfaithfulness,  the 
environment  of  slavery,  and  the  desire  to  grow  rich. — 
t868. 

There  are  some  who   are  learned  and  wise  in  the 


Mary  S,  Lippiqcott.  207 

world's  philoi^phy,  who  undertake  to  iiistntci  \\\  our 
religious  meetings,  to  the  grief  of  the  sincere-hearted, 
and  the  suffering  of  the  true  seed. — 1868. 

The  new  birth  must  be  known,  ere  valiants  can 
come  forth  as  did  the  sons  of  the  morning  in  our  re- 
ligious Society,  bold  as  a  lion,  meek  as  a  lamb,  and 
bearing  testimony  that  none  could  gainsay. — 1870. 

Since  we  opened  school  in  the  autumn,  I  have  lost  a 
number  of  relatives.  P^  brother-in-law,  two  nephews,  two 
nieces  and  some  cousins  have  been  removed  from  earth. 
The  great  business  of  life  is  to  lay  up  durable  riches  to 
last  us  forever.  This  is  my  understanding  of  things, 
and  if  life  is  rightly  occupied  we  shall  use  and  enjoy 
the  good  temporal  gifts  bestowed  for  our  comfort  and 
convenience,  and  love  and  adore  the  Great  Giver,  ren- 
dering to  Him  the  greatest  of  our  possessions — even  our 
whole  heart. — 1870. 

There  seems  to  be  an  increased  interest  among  the 
younger  members  of  our  Society  in  becoming  familiar 
with  the  ground  of  our  testimonies  and  the  principle 
from  which  they  have  sprung,  as  branches  from  a  root. 
This  has  brought  our  members  of  different  ages  together 
in  a  common  interest. — 1870. 

The  more  Friends  mingle  together  socially,  the  more 
are  we  drawn  together  in  love,  and  the  more  favored  are 
our  religious  meetings.  I  often  think  how  the  early 
Friends  went  from  house  to  house,  encouraging,  instruct- 
ing and  strengthening  each  other. — 187 1. 


208  Life  arid  Letters  of 


CHAPTER    IV. 


REFLECTIONS,     ETC, 


A    WORD    OF    EXHORTATION    TO    PARENTS. 

The  query  which  has  presented  itself  to  the  minds 
of  concerned  parents,  not  a  few,  is  adverted  to  in  to-day's 
Intelligencer.  While  reading  the  remarks  in  that  paper 
I  was  reminded  of  the  sentiments  expressed  by  Nicholas 
Wain  in  a  letter  to  his  aunt  Shoemaker.  This  letter 
was  written  in  London,  while  he  was  pursuing  his 
studies  in  that  gay  metropolis.  The  gratitude  which  he 
felt  for  the  care  of  this  aunt,  who  had  supplied  the  place 
of  a  mother  to  him,  and  the  impression  that  her  advice 
had  made  upon  his  mind,  may  be  inferred  from  his 
Scripture  quotation. 

"Train  up  a  child  in  the  way  he  should  go,  and 
when  he  is  old  he  will  not  depart  from  it."  Though  he 
may  depart  while  he  is  young,  yet  when  he  is  old  it  will 
be  like  bread  cast  upon  the  waters — found  after  many 
days. 

Although  she  had  mourned  over  his  wayward  course, 
feeling  that  her  affectionate  counsel  had  been  disre- 
garded and  that  the  labor  and  attention  which  she  had 
bestowed  upon  him  were  of  no  avail ;  yet  this  letter 
proved  that  such  had  not  been  the  case. 

Being  now  in  a  foreign  land  he  remembered  her 
with  tender  affection.    The  sweetness  of  her  voice  seemed 


Mary  S.  Lippincott,  20Q 

to  fall  upon  his  ear,  and  her  counsel,  which  arose  atop 
of  all,  was  as  the  bread  of  life  to  his  hungering  spirit. 
Then  it  was  he  penned  these  words  of  encouragement 
for  her  to  pursue  the  tenor  of  her  way  with  a  feeling  of 
confidence  that  her  labors  would  be  blessed.  Heretofore 
the  instability  of  his  conduct  had  been  comparable  to  the 
boisterous  ocean,  which  in  its  heavings  and  surgings 
threatens  to  ingulf  everything  cast  upon  its  bosom ; 
but  now  a  change  had  taken  place,  and  her  solicitude 
for  his  welfare  met  a  response  in  the  acknowledgment 
that  her  counsel  had  taken  hold  upon  him,  and  might 
prove  to  be  the  means  of  his  preservation. 

Parents,  remember  this  one  instance  and  take  cour- 
age ;  withholding  neither  hand  nor  voice  from  every 
effort  in  your  power  to  direct  and  to  save  your  precious 
offspring  while  they  are  treading  the  slippery  paths  of 
youth — paths  which  are  overhung  with  temptations,  and 
thickly  beset  with  snares. 

Your  words  may  seem  to  fall  upon  heedless  ears, 
but  the  precept,  the  exhortation  which  they  convey  may 
find  a  place  in  the  memory  of  your  child,  and  may  serve 
as  a  watchword  to  him  when  danger  threatens  and  when 
the  jaws  of  death  seem  to  be  opening  to  receive  him. 
Then  the  wisdom  of  a  father's  counsel,  the  tenderness  of 
a  mother's  care,  and  the  earnest  pleadings  of  both,  may 
come  to  the  rescue  and  turn  him  from  his  wayward 
course  to  a  path  of  safety  and  of  peace. 

In  the  aboundings  of  love  for  the  dear  ones  for 
whom  you  would    sacrifice  so  much,   put  up  your  peti- 


210  Life  and  Letters  of 

tions  to  your  God  and  Father,  that  He  will  not  let  his 
eye  pity,  nor  his  hand  spare  these,  till  he  has  brought 
forth  judgment  unto  victory. 

FOR    "  THE    JOURNAL." 

The  axe  must  be  laid  to  the  root  of  the  corrupt  tree 
if  we  would  have  no  more  poisonous  Jruits.  Is  not  the 
tree  of  intemperance  a  corrupt  tree,  and  is  not  the  fruit 
it  yields  poison  ?  Do  not  those  who  eat  thereof  inherit 
the  curse  of  death  to  innocency  ?  If  we  will  look  around 
shall  we  not  see  multitudes  going  a  downward  course 
into  degradation  and  misery,  throughout  the  length  and 
breadth  of  our  land  ?  Men,  made  but  a  little  lower  than 
the  angels,  coming  to  an  untimely  end ;  their  sun,  once 
bright,  setting  under  a  thick  cloud  of  darkness,  their 
families  pining  in  wretchedness  and  poverty  ! 

What  is  to  be  done  ?  Am  I  my  brother's  keeper  ? 
And  who  is  my  brother?  He  is  our  brother  who  has 
wandered  in  a  forbidden  path ;  and,  being  tempted  by 
taverns  and  drinking  saloons  so  thickly  crowded  on  his 
way,  has  been  wounded,  robbed,  and  lies  weltering  in  his 
blood.  Let  us  turn  aside  and  dress  his  wounds,  and 
then  wield  the  axe  to  destroy  the  root,  that  the  corrupt 
tree  may  wither  and  die.  Take  away  the  license !  Re- 
frain from  the  wine  and  the  beer  cup,  &c.,  and  then 
have  faith  that  by  prayer  and  fasting — total  abstinence 
—  we  may,  with  Divine  aid,  cast  the  demon  spirit  out 
of  our  midst.     Rather  than  place  a  stumbling-block  in 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  211 

the  wa}'  of  a  weak  brother,  let  us  drink  no  strong  drink 
while  the  world  standeth. 

If  we  can  arrest  the  flood  of  intemperance,  other 
evils,  those  which  follow  in  its  train,  may  be  subdued. 
Smite  the  giant  and  his  hosts  will  be  scattered. — 1873. 

A     FRAGMENT. 

The  heavens  and  the  earth  speak  forth  the  praise  of 
their  Creator. 

What  harmon}' !  What  regular  progression  —  all 
moving  in  their  appointed  courses,  without  a  jar  !  What 
a  lesson  should  the}-  teach  to  the  beholder !  Did  ive 
move  in  the  line  of  Divine  appointment,  each  filling  the 
place  he  was  designed  to  fill,  the  same  harmony  would 
be  displayed  in  our  movements  through  the  world,  and 
one  would  not  disturb  another  in  his  onward  course. 
As  travelers  on  a  life-long  journey,  prompted  b}^  both 
interest  and  inclination,  we  should  move  straight  for- 
ward toward  that  habitation  appointed  for  our  home, 
after  a  well-passed  life  in  this  state  of  being. 

Then  why  is  not  man  happy  while  here  ?  Why 
does  he  not  find  this  life  to  be  a  blessing  ?  Ah !  by 
disobedience  he  has  forfeited  his  inheritance,  and  caused 
the  earth  to  bring  forth,  for  him,  briers  and  thorns. 
Yes,  it  is  disobedience  that  makes  man  the  author  of  his 
own  and  of  his  neighbor's  woes. 

Is  it  not  surprising  that  with  all  this  knowledge, 
rebellion  should  still  mark  the  pathway  of  the  unre- 
generate  man  ? 


212  Life  and  Letters  of 

PASSING    TIME. 

''The  lust  of  the  flesh,  and  the  lust  of  the  eyes, 
and  the  pride  of  life."  What  a  round  of  pleasure-seeking 
there  is.  What  a  running  to  and  fro.  What  an  expendi- 
ture of  time  and  of  money  to  gratify  these  desires, 
when  lo,  man  is  like  a  shadow  that  soon  passes  by.  No 
earthly  thing  can  he  hold  securely,  even  with  his  closest 
grasp ;  and  as  for  those  glittering  amiisemejtts^  which 
fill  up  the  passing  hours,  they  are  like  the  bubble  that 
expands  with  beauty  as  it  escapes,  but  if  it  be  touched 
it  bursts  asunder,  and  is  not.  Many  and  complicated 
are  the  devices  resorted  to,  to  speed  the  moments  on 
their  course,  as  though  time  in  this  life  were  to  continue 
forever — when  lo !  it  passes  more  swiftly  than  a  weaver's 
shuttle,  and  is  bearing  us  onward  to  a  never-ending 
eternit3^ 

Oh  ye  who  frequent  these  places  of  amusement ! 
Have  you  no  responsibilities  ?  Have  you  no  work  of 
greater  moment  than  the  gratification  of  your  senses,  or 
than  mere  entertainment  to  fill  up  the  blanks  (?)  of 
time  ?  Are  you  placed  here  for  no  other  purpose  than 
to  shine  forth  as  the  brilliant  butterfly — flit  about  for  a 
short  season  and  then  depart  ?  May  you  pause  and  con- 
sider. Wise  would  it  be  for  those  who  thus  spend  their 
precious  time  to  pause  long  enough  to  ask  themselves 
the  solemn  question — what  is  life  ?  Why  was  I  invested 
with  this  responsibility  ?  I  have  been  gifted  with  physi- 
cal and  intellectual  powers,  and  with  an  innate  thirst 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  213 

for  happiness.  Am  I  sufficiently  grateful  for  these  gifts, 
and  am  I  answering  the  end  of  my  creation  ?  Do  I 
devote  a  due  portion  of  my  time  to  holy,  spiritual  com- 
munion, and  is  that  communion  as  full  and  as  free  as  it 
should  be,  or  is  it  interrupted  by  the  vain  thoughts 
which  have  found  a  lodging-place  in  my  mind,  and 
which  have  been  nourished  if  not  engendered,  by  my 
attendance  at  places  of  amusement  ? 

Till  these  inquiries  are  searchingly  made  and  hon- 
estly answered,  man  will  not  be  likel}^  to  find  his  true 
position  ;  but  he  will  remain,  so  far  as  his  spiritual  con- 
dition is  concerned,  but  little  above  the  brutes  that  graze 
the  mountain-tops.  His  thoughts  will  tend  towards  this 
world,  and  when  the  time  shall  come  for  him  to  leave  it, 
to  what  can  he  look  forward  ? 

His  diversions  have  been  his  idols,  and  when  re- 
moved from  these,  what  will  he  have  to  depend  upon  ? 

HONOR      AND     DUTY. 

Men  are  disposed  to  honor  those  who  accomplish 
deeds  likely  to  find  a  place  on  the  page  of  history. 

The  warrior  who  has  led  his  armies  into  the  field  of 
battle,  and  there  has  slain  hosts  of  enemies  (so-called)  ; 
the  statesmen  whose  influence  regulates  the  laws  of  the 
land ;  the  orator  whose  eloquence  wafts  the  sentiments 
of  his  hearers  in  unison,  as  does  the  gentle  breeze  the 
tree-tops  of  the  forest ;  the  philanthropist,  whose  efforts 
are  exerted  to  assist  the  widow,  to  protect  the  orphan, 
and  to  relieve  the  oppressed  ;  the  emancipator  who  would 


214  Life  and  Letters  of 

elevate  the  down-trodden  sons  of  Africa  from  the  degraded 
position  in  which  the  avarice  and  tyranny  of  their  white 
brother  has  placed  them  : — these  severally  receive  honor 
from  the  multitude  according  to  the  different  stand-points 
from  which  their  acts  are  viewed. 

But  worthy  of  double  honor,  and  indeed  doubly 
honored  in  the  sight  of  Jehovah,  are  those  who  have 
dedicated  themselves. to  his  service,  be  that  what  it  may. 

These  will  be  found  trying  to  preserve  men's  lives, 
not  to  destroy  them.  They  will  also  enter  into  sym- 
path}^  with  the  oppressed,  and  with  the  suffering  of  all 
classes.  Some  may  be  called  to  administer  to  an  op- 
pressed race  the  comforts  of  the  Christian  religion ;  tell- 
ing the  poor  captives  that  the  Great  Creator  loves  all 
those  whom  He  has  made  in  his  own  image,  and  de- 
signed for  eternal  life.  They  may  have  to  proclaim  to 
the  Ethiopian,  or  to  the  Red  Man  of  the  forest  the  glad 
tidings  of  the  Gospel  of  peace  and  salvation,  directing 
him  to  a  light  within  himself  that  will  show  him  the 
path  of  virtue  in  this  life,  and  lead  him  to  a  happy  home 
in  the  next.  That  Christ  is  able  to  save  all  those  who 
trust  in  Him,  and  that  He  offers  to  man  the  free  gift  of 
his  saving  Grace,  without  money  and  without  price. 
Gospel  streams  flow  abundantly  as  the  waters  of  life, 
and  all  are  invited  to  come,  drink  and  be  refreshed. 

The  messengers  of  this  Gospel  may  be  disregarded 
and  even  despised  by  the  multitude  ;  or  they  maj^  cause 
the  inquiry  to  be  raised,  "Whence  hath  this  man  this 
wisdom,  and  these  mighty  works  ?  "     But  however  ne- 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  215 

glected,  derided  or  contemned,  these  dedicated  workers, 
if  faithful  to  their  calling,  will  receive  a  reward  more 
lasting  and  of  far  greater  value  than  all  the  honor  that 
the  world's  votaries  could  give. 

THE     OLD     MAN'vS     secret     FOR     HAPPINESvS. 

If  we  believe  the  oft-repeated  assertion  that  the  seat 
of  happiness  is  in  our  own  mind,  we  must  admit  that  to 
every  member  of  the  human  family  this  boon  is  freely 
offered. 

Then  wh}'  are  we  not  all  happy  ?  Why  do  we 
behold  the  multitudes  of  plodding,  care-worn  inhabitants 
of  this  goodly  earth  of  ours  in  a  state  of  wretchedness, 
sighing  for  deliverance  from  that  which  makes  life  so 
oppressive  as  to  be  like  a  peddler's  pack  that  bows  the 
bearer  down  ?  Is  it  not  because  their  thoughts  tend 
downward ;  and  they  seek  delight  either  in  sensual 
gratifications  or  in  worldly-  vanities  ? 

"Too  low  they  build  who  build  beneath  the  skies." 
They  seek  to  gratify  the  body  or  else  to  store  the  mind 
with  that  which  is  as  different  from  wisdom  as  dross  is 
unlike  gold,  and  which  leaves  them  as  far  from  content- 
ment as  the  equator  is  from  the  pole. 

Finding  that  they  have  missed  their  aim  they  feel 
an  inward  pain,  as  if  a  canker  were  gnawing  at  the  root 
of  their  peace. 

Where,  then,  does  lie  the  secret  of  man's  happiness  ? 
What  can  satisfy  him  in  all  the  vicissitudes  of  life  ? 
What  can  enable  him  to  receive  with  eqiianimity  pros- 


216  Life  and  Letters  of 

perity  and  adversity,  and  cause  the  stream  of  peace  to 
flow  in  an  uninterrupted  current  ? 

I  reply  in  the  language  of  an  aged  colored  man 
who,  when  asked  what  made  him  so  happy  at  all  times, 
replied,  "  I  have  always  tried  to  keep  my  mind  easy." 

Try  this,  and  the  secret  is  discovered.  The  mind 
makes  the  man ;  and  if  the  affections  are  placed  upon 
Him  who  created  us,  and  bestowed  upon  us  our  mental 
faculties  as  well  as  our  physical  being,  if  we  regard  Him 
as  Sovereign  Lord  of  all,  and  ourselves  as  his  servants, 
we  shall  be  ready  to  move  at  his  will,  obey  his  com- 
mands, and  ask  counsel  of  Him  to  direct  us  in  the  Way 
Everlasting. 

When  man  comes  to  be  thus  directed,  his  corporal 
wants  will  be  made  subservient  to  the  intellectual,  the 
intellectual  to  the  spiritual,  and  the  care  for  the  safety 
of  his  never-djang  soul,  paramount  to  every  other  con- 
sideration. 

Then  he  will  know  what  it  is  to  be  raised  from  the 
grossness  of  sensual  indulgences,  to  be  extricated  from 
the  maze  of  worldly  vanities,  and  to  be  established  in  a 
place  of  habitation  secure  from  danger.  All  forbidden 
guests  will  be  debarred  an  entrance  into  this  peaceful 
abode,  in  the  inner  sanctuary  of  which  sits  Happiness, 
enthroned  and  undisturbed. 

Keep  the  mind  easy  by  doing  what  is  right ;  then  if 
we  love  our  Creator,  and  live  peaceably  with  all  men, 
we  may  acknowledge  that  we  have  found  the  secret  of 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  217 

happiness,  and  that  we  can   subscribe  to  the  sentiment 
expressed  by  the  poet, 

"  None  are  unhappy — all  have  cause  to  smile, 
But  those  who  to  themselves  that  cause  deny." 

THE     RELATION     OF     A     MEMBER     TO     THE     BODY. 

I  feel  that  in  the  liberty  which  the  Truth  gives,  I 
may  offer  my  opinion,  present  my  view  on  a  subject 
which  is  both  interesting  and  important  to  the  Society 
of  Friends.  While  considering  the  matter,  since  a  recent 
interview  that  I  had  with  some  Friends,  I  have  consulted 
neither  book  nor  person,  but  have  endeavored  to  keep 
in  the  quiet,  that  I  might  know  the  mind  of  Truth  in 
relation  to  it. 

After  thus  deliberating,  I  feel  free  to  say  that  I  be- 
lieve the  Society  is  constituted  as  are  our  bodies ;  that  no 
member  is  independent  of  the  other  members,  or  of  the 
body,  but  that  where  one  member  is  diseased  the  whole 
bodj^  is  affected.  If  the  Church  is  composed  of  living 
members,  and  if  Christ  is  the  Head,  then  does  his  Spirit 
flow  through  the  whole  body,  reaching  every  member 
thereof.  If  one  member  is  unfaithful  in  the  support  of 
our  testimonies,  then  must  all  the  other  members — the 
whole  body — suffer  for  the  unfaithfulness  of  this  one  ; 
and  the  suffering  must  continue  until  the  offending 
member  is  restored  to  a  healthy  condition. 

If  one  member  should  claim  the  right  to  indulge  in 
certain  amusements,  or  to  engage  in  certain  practices, 
because  he  sees  no   impropriety  in  so  doing  (so  long  as 

].5 


218  Life  and  Letters  of 

he  keeps  within  the  bounds  of  the  moral  law  and  leads 
a  reputable  life),  although  his  course  of  conduct  is  in 
open  violation  of  some  of  our  cherished  testimonies — 
then  does  he  not  separate  himself  from  the  body  by 
being  out  of  unity  with  those  who  are  faithfully  sup- 
porting the  law  and  the  testimony  ? 

If  each  member  is  to  decide  for  himself  which  of 
our  testimonies  are  unimportant,  because  they  seem  so 
to  him,  then  shall  we  not  soon  be  landed  in  that  chaotic 
state  where  organization  is  no  longer  a  benefit,  and 
scarcely  a  possibility. 

Yes,  Friends,  we  must  unitedly  support  our  testi- 
monies, or  else  they  will  fall  to  the  ground.  Where  one 
member  errs,  the  bod}^  errs  with  it,  and  all  are  turned 
out  of  the  way. 

When  the  disaffected  member  shall  become  sensible 
of  his  error  he  will  be  brought  into  suffering,  in  which 
the  body  will  participate.  Oh,  then  what  kindness,  what 
tenderness,  what  humilit}',  what  love,  what  deliberation 
should  there  be  in  every  movement  of  the  body,  that  the 
mind  of  Truth  may  be  known,  and  that  that  which  is 
lame  may  be  healed.  A  living  member  must  suffer 
before  he  can  properly  deal  with  an  offender. 

THE     FRIENDS. 

Our  worthy  predecessors,  being  of  one  heart  and  of 
one  mind,  drew  together  in  the  fear  and  the  dread  of  the 
Most  High  God,  to  worship  Him  in  spirit  and  in  truth. 
The  light  within  taught  them  that  God  is  a  Spirit,  and 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  219 

that  He  required  of  tlieni  spiritual  worship.  i\ncl  in 
their  assembling  for  worship  they  realized  the  promise, 
"  Where  two  or  three  are  gathered  together  in  my 
name,  there  am  I  in  the  midst  of  them."  These  could 
acknowledge,  frcm  experience,  that  it  is  life  eternal  to 
"  know  thee  the  only  true  God,  and  Jesus  Christ,  whom 
thou  hast  sent."  The  Son  was  revealed  in  them,  as  the 
only  ivay  to  the  Father — the  way  into  the  kingdom  of 
God,  and  of  his  Christ,  as  a  Saviour  to  save  them,  a 
Redeemer  to  redeem  them,  a  Mediator  and  Intercessor 
with  the  Father.  Thus  thej^  came  to  sit  together  in 
heavenl}^  places  in  Christ  Jesus,  where  none  could  make 
them  afraid.  These  formed  the  Society  of  Friends,  a 
militant  Church,  with  no  Head  but  Christ.  "  One  is 
3'our  Master,  even  Christ,  and  all  ye  are  brethren." 
"  Ye  are  my  friends  if  ye  do  whatsoever  I  command 
3^ou."  They  beheld  the  beautiful  order  and  wise  economy 
of  the  visible  church,  where  the  head  of  the  woman  is 
the  man,  the  head  of  the  man  is  Christ,  and  the  Head 
of  Christ  is  God.  They  understood  that  the  children  of 
the  Lord  are  children  of  the  New  Jerusalem,  which  is 
from  above,  and  is  the  mother  of  us  all. 

Their  knowledge  of  these  things  was  received  by 
revelation — no  man  could  teach  them  the  things  per- 
taining to  the  Spirit.  They  fed  upon  the  Bread  of  Life, 
which  Bread,  sa3\s  Christ,  I  am.  They  drank  of  that 
spiritual  Rock  that  followed  Israel,  and  that  Rock  was 
Christ,  "Jesus  Christ,  the  same  yesterday,  and  to-day, 
and  forever." 


220  Life  ar\d  Letters  of 

OUT    OF    MY     PLACE. 

For  the  sake  of  others  I  consented  to  go  on  this 
trip  to  Montreal  and  Quebec.  Though  I  say  it  not  to 
my  companions — for  I  desire  not  to  mar  their  enjoyment 
— yet  I  still  feel  that  home  would  be  the  proper  place 
for  me  at  this  time.  I  have  no  life  in  a  pleasure  trip, 
feeling  that  I  have  no  spare  time  to  pass  in  this  way. 
I  feel  that  I  am  out  of  ni}^  usual  course,  out  of  the  way 
of  any  useful  business  for  myself  or  for  others,  and  being 
poor  mentally,  as  well  as  spiritually,  I  am  not  keeping 
any  record  of  this  trip.  I  hope  that  we  may  get  home 
safely,  and  that  in  future  I  may  profit  by  this  experience, 
so  that  when  a  trip  is  to  be  taken  for  sight-seeing,  I  may 
be  excused  from  joining  the  company. — 1853. 

MY    DAILY     DTTTIEvS. 

Why  is  it  that  such  a  poor,  unworthy  creature  as  I 
am,  should  have  to  preside  over  such  a  family  (ninety 
in  number),  to  be  in  some  measure  responsible  for  them, 
and  to  set  them  an  example  worthy  of  their  imitation  ? 
It  is  an  humble  station,  and  one  in  which  I  feel  that  I 
have  need  to  keep  in  a  state  of  watchfulness  unto  prayer. 
I  travel  through  the  deeps,  and  tread  the  loneliness  of 
my  way,  when  there  is  none  to  look  to,  but  the  Lord 
alone. 

A    CONTRAST. 

Oh !  how  bright  is  the  halo  that  surrounds  the 
Christian's  death-bed.       How  radiant  are  the  beams  of 


Mary  S,  Lippiqcott.  221 

bis  setting  sun  !  Long,  long  is  it  ere  that  brightness 
fades  away,  and  is  forgotten  by  those  who  were  privi- 
leged to  witness  the  closing  scene. 

Is  there  no  difference  experienced  at  the  close  of 
life,  between  the  man  of  the  world  and  the  Christian  ?  I 
mean  the  regenerated,  self-denying  Christian,  who  bears 
his  cross  and  patiently  awaits  the  immortal  crown.  His 
is  a  hope  that  fails  not- — a  faith  that  neither  heights  nor 
depths  can  disturb — for  he  keeps  the  end  in  view,  and 
when  the  time  for  his  departure  comes,  he  peacefully 
passes  away  to  receive  the  reward  of  well  dune. 

Surely  there  is  a  difference  between  the  end  of  such 
an  one,  and  that  of  him  who  has  lived  a  worldly  life, 
and  whose  only  treasures  have  been  laid  up  on  earth. 

Some   Account  uj    George    Parke)\^   deceased.      Formerly 

a  Slave. 

"  Of  a  truth  I  perceive  that  God  is  no  respecter  of 
persons  ;  but  in  every  nation  he  that  feareth  Him,  and 
worketh  righteousness,  is  accepted  with  Him." 

I  deemed  it  proper  to  keep  some  account  of  the  ex- 
pressions of  resignation,  and  of  the  peaceful  close  of  our 
dear  young  friend,  George  Parker,  who  died  at  our  house, 
of  pulmonary  consumption,  on  the  28th  of  Third  Month, 
1854,  in  the  twenty-second  year  of  his  age.    His  parents, 

with  their  children,  were  slaves  belonging  to Fitz 

Hugh,  of  Virginia,  till  1851,  when  they  were  manu- 
mitted by  a  provision  left  in  their  master's  will,  made 
some  years  before.     George,  with  an  older  brother  and 


222  Life  and  Letters  of 

a  number  of  others,  came  to  PhiLidelphia  and  procured 
homes  in  and  adjacent  to  the  city.  His  mother,  of  whom 
he  was  the  j-oungest  and  darling  son,  and  a  sister  re- 
mained in  Alexandria,  Virginia,  with  their  former  mis- 
tress. 

George  entered  into  service  with  us  in  the  latter 
part  of  Sixth  Month,  1S53.  His  brother  being  near  by, 
they  had  the  opportunity  of  being  often  together,  which 
contributed  much  to  their  happiness,  as  the}'  were  closely 
attached  to  each  other.  George  continued  faithfully  and 
honestly  to  discharge  his  duties,  at  all  times,  till  sick- 
ness disqualified  him  for  labor.  He  was  kind,  obliging, 
and  remarkably  polite  and  respectful  to  every  one  with 
whom  he  had  intercourse.  Being  of  a  quiet  and  amiable 
disposition,  he  lived  in  great  harmou}^  with  his  com- 
panions in  service,  frecjuently  admonishing  them  if  they 
neglected  their  business  or  indulged  in  rudeness,  but 
evincing  so  much  kindness  and  good  feeling  as  to  en- 
dear himself  to  these  co-laborers,  as  well  as  to  the  rest 
of  the  famil}^  As  he  could  not  read,  he  appeared  to 
enjoy  himself  in  quiet  reflection  ;  and  many  evenings 
were  passed  mostl}^  in  that  wa}^ 

During  the  summer  and  autumn  he  enjoyed  his 
usual  health,  though  always  delicate,  for  he  was  of  a 
scrofulous  habit.  In  the  early  winter  he  began  to  suffer 
more ;  so  that  for  about  a  week  he  was  laid  by.  Soon 
after  getting  out  again  he  took  cold,  and  was  attacked 
with  a  hard  cough  and  pain  in  his  chest.  Sometimes 
the  remedies  employed,  and  fair  weather,  would  partially 


Mary  S,  Lippiqcott.  223 

restore  him,  then  again  he  would  be  more  poorly.  The 
severel}^  cold  weather  in  Second  Month,  however,  proved 
to  be  too  much  for  his  enfeebled  frame,  and  his  cough 
increased  and  strength  diminished  quite  rapidly.  He 
felt  that  he  was  sinking,  and  yet  his  patience  and  cheer- 
fulness were  remarkable.  He  stayed  mostly  by  the  fire 
in  the  day-time,  and  often  during  the  latter  part  of  the 
night,  for  his  cough  was  troublesome  when  he  was  in 
bed,  and  the  oppression  greater  than  when  sitting  up. 

Our  faithful  physician.  Dr.  vStokes,  attended  him, 
but  could  do  little  for  him  except  to  alleviate  the  suffer- 
ing. George  co-operated  with  his  efforts,  being  always 
read}'  to  comply  with  his  wishes,  and  to  follow  the  di- 
rections given.  But  notwithstanding  all  efforts  to  check 
the  disease,  it  made  rapid  progress.  Thinking  that  a 
change  might  prove  beneficial,  he  went  to  pass  a  few 
days  with  a  friend  ;  but  finding  himself  fast  declining, 
he  was  anxious  to  return  home,  and  being  favored  to  do 
so,  he  expressed  much  gratitude,  seeming  as  if  he  could 
scarcely  be  thankful  enough.  He  continued  to  go  about 
the  house  and  sometimes  out  of  doors,  until  within  five 
days  of  his  death.  Then  he  was  suddenl}^  prostrated, 
and  became  so  ill  that  we  had  him  moved  into  the 
nursery,  where  I  could  attend  him  during  the  day,  and 
his  brother  be  with  him  at  night. 

He  expressed  a  wish  to  see  his  mother  and  sister, 
and  requested  me  to  write  to  them,  thinking  that  his 
sister  could  come  on. 

When   I   would   leave  the  room    I   could    hear  him 


224  Life  and  Letters  of 

engaged  in  prayer,  so  that  I  perceived  he  was  aware  of 
his  critical  situation.  Though  his  sufferings  increased 
he  seemed  to  be  in  a  Heavenly  frame  of  mind — all  peace 
and  serenity. 

Upon  my  return  to  him  after  a  time  of  absence,  he 
said,  "I  have  had  a  suffering  time.  I  am  in  much 
misery,  and  I  have  not  been  able  to  lie  down."  I  told 
him  I  was  sorry  that  I  had  to  leave  him,  and  that  I  had 
felt  anxious  about  him.  "  I  know  it ;  I  got  into  a  little 
doze,  and  dreamed  that  you  had  come,"  he  replied,  with 
emotion.  I  then  said.  Does  thy  mind  feel  comfortable  ? 
"Yes,  yes,"  was  his  reply.  I  told  him  I  thought  he  had 
always  been  a  good  boy,  for  he  had  been  dutiful  and 
faithful  while  living  with  us.  To  this  he  assented  with 
tears. 

He  often  addressed  his  brother  in  terms  of  affection, 
such  as  ''John,  you  are  such  a  comfort  to  me." 

One  morning  he  said,  "  Oh,  I  have  had  a  wearisome 
night,  '  wearisome  nights  are  appointed  unto  me.'  "  After 
the  visit  of  the  doctor,  on  that  morning,  he  inquired, 
"  What  does  the  doctor  say  ?  "  I  answered,  "  He  says 
both  of  thy  lungs  are  diseased,  but  he  and  we  will  do 
what  we  can  to  make  thee  comfortable."  "All  has  been 
done,"  he  exclaimed,  and  then,  after  a  solemn  pause, 
added,  "  I  can't  stay  long;  I  am  so  weak  I  must  go  soon. 
There  are  a  good  many  that  I  should  like  to  see.  Has 
some  one  written  to  my  sister  ?  Then  I  want  to  see 
William  and  Lilly  and  other  cousins  living'  in  Phila- 
delphia."     He  also  wanted  to  have  his  love  sent  to  his 


Mary  S.  Lippiqcott.  225 

former  mistress,  Fitz  Hugh — for  whom  he  expressed 
great  regard — to  his  mother  and  other  relatives  and 
friends,  adding  emphatically,  "yes — to  everybody."  His 
feelings  seemed  to  be  expended  in  love.  Quite  frequently 
he  uttered  ejaculations,  such  as  "  Mercy  !  Mercy  !  Oh, 
Merciful  Father,  O  Lord,  save  my  soul !  I  can't  live 
long.  Oh,  take  me  home  !  "  Then  he  would  turn  to  his 
brother  and  say,  "  Oh,  John,  don't  grieve  for  me.  Don't 
grieve !  I  can't  sta\'  long  with  you."  After  one  of 
these  injunctions  he  said,  "  John,  you  will  find  my 
knife  and  some  other  things   in   my  pocket." 

To  me  he  said,  ''  I  am  afraid  you  are  doing  too 
much.  Can't  some  one  take  your  place  and  let  you  go 
to  the  table  at  meal  times  ?  "  Being  assured  that  it  was 
agreeable  to  me  to  wait  on  him  he  looked  around  and 
smiled. 

When  his  cousins  who  had  been  sent  for,  came  into 
the  room,  he  looked  at  them  calmly  and  said,  "I  am  so 
glad  to  see  you  ;  I  want  you  both  to  stay  all  night.  I 
can't  live  long.  I  may  live  till  night,  but  I  think  I 
cannot  till  morning.  I  have  often  asked  that  I  might 
be  blessed  in  sickness."  I  told  him  I  thought  he  had 
been  blessed,  and  I  trusted  that  he  would  find  rest  in 
the  end.  He  replied,  "  Yes,  yes,  O  Lord,  save  my  soul !  " 
Next  morning  the  pains  of  death  appeared  to  be  coming 
on.  He  several  times  looked  affectionately  at  his  brother, 
and  said  "  Oh,  John,  don't  hold  me  !  Don't  hold  me, 
but  let  me  go."  Once  adding,  "  I  want  to  go  home,  to 
the  other  world,  where  I  came  from.      Oh,  I  want  to  go 


226  Life  ar\d  Letters  of 

to  rest !  ''  The  exjoression  of  his  countenance  gave  evi- 
dence of  the  sweet  frame  of  mind  that  he  was  in,  and  of 
his  resignation  to  the  Divine  will. 

He  wanted  to  have  a  hymn  sung,  but  thought  it  was 
abnust  tuo  muck  to  ask.  I  told  him  his  cousins  might 
sing.  After  the  hymn  I  told  him  that  I  had  prayed  for 
his  easy  passage  out  of  time  ;  and  that  I  trusted  his 
change  would  be  a  happy  one,  for  it  had  appeared  to  me 
that  his  soul  was  pure  and  spotless  ;  and  that  I  hoped 
those  of  us  who  were  spared  a  little  longer  might  so  live 
as  to  meet  him  in  that  happ}'  state  where  there  shall  be 
no  more  parting,  and  where  all  tears  shall  be  wiped 
from  our  eyes.  He  serenely  gave  a  look  of  sanction  to 
these  words. 

The  oppression  became  so  great  that  the  windows 
had  to  be  raised,  cold  as  the  weather  was,  to  enable  him 
to  get  a  little  more  breath.  His  expression  was,  "  to  get 
a  little  breath  pains  me  through  my  whole  body." 
Some  of  his  friends  coming  in,  he  said  to  one  of  them, 
"  Henry,  won't  3^ou  sing  a  hymn  for  me  ;  I  am  almost 
gone  ?  "  In  a  short  time  the  doctor  came,  and  found 
him  sinking.  After  a  slight  struggle  he  leaned  over 
against  his  brother  and  calmly  breathed  his  last,  like 
one  falling  into  a  sweet  sleep. 

Thus  passed  away  his  spirit  from  its  earthly  taber- 
nacle, and  entered,  as  we  reverently  believe,  into  that 
rest  prepared  for  the  people  of  God. 

Many  of  his  friends,  and  of  our  friends  and  neigh- 
bors,  attended  his  funeral — about  fifty  colored   persons 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  227 

were  there — when,  after  a  solemn  season,  his  remains 
were  deposited  in  Friends'  Burial-gronnd  at   Westfield. 

I  think  I  shed  tears  enough  for  both  his  mother 
and  sister,  who  were  far  away  and  could  not  be  present ; 
they  were  tears  that  would  not  be  kept  back,  and  were 
accompanied  with  gratitude  for  his  peaceful  close. 

It  seemed  as  if  our  family  felt  the  prevalence  of 
love ;  no  lonely  feeling,  no  terror  in  the  house  while  the 
corpse  remained  there.  It  must  have  been  because  of 
the  quietness  of  his  close.  Surely  there  is  a  Power,  all 
love,  to  keep  us  tranquil  in  times  of  trial. 

TU     THE     YOUTH. 


[Published  in  Friends'  bitelligencer,  vol.  XIII.,  pages   164-165.] 
"  Be  ye  also  ready,  that  though  called  early,  ye  may  go  in  peace." 

Died,  at  Colerain,  Ohio,  Fourth  Month  22nd,  1S56, 
of  consumption,  Anna  B.,  daughter  of  Isaac  Wells,  aged 
twenty-three  years. 

She  was  for  several  years  very  delicate,  yet,  having 
a  great  desire  to  be  a  teacher,  applied  herself  closely  to 
the  cultivation  of  her  mind,  and  (self-aided  almost) 
made  such  progress  as  enabled  her  to  instruct  in  the 
primary  branches.  After  being  engaged  for  some  time 
to  the  satisfaction  of  her  employers,  she  believed  it 
right  to  spend  a  few  months  in  a  boarding-school,  that 
she  might  become  better  qualified  for  that  service.  She 
entered  in  the  autumn  of  1854,  and  though  often  feeble, 
pursued  her  studies  as  diligently  as  her  bodily  strength 


228  Life  a^d  Letters  of 

would  allow.  Being  of  an  amiable  disposition,  she 
established  herself  in  our  affections,  and  we  were  wil- 
ling to  hope  that  she  would  enjoy  better  health.  In 
1855,  she  attended  Philadelphia  Yearly  Meeting,  at  the 
close  of  which  she  walked  in  the  rain  to  the  ferry,  and 
rode  in  the  stage  without  drying  her  shoes.  She  con- 
tracted a  heav}'  cold,  and  her  health  declined,  though 
(for  two  weeks),  she  was  able  to  attend  school  part  of 
each  day,  but,  at  length  she  had  to  relinquish  her  in- 
tention and  return  home.  A  few  weeks  after,  she  wrote 
to  me  for  a  recommendatiuH^  intending  to  take  a  school  ; 
so  lively  was  her  interest  in  the  children  of  their  neigh- 
borhood, whose  opportunities  were  very  limited,  and  her 
concern  that  they  might  have  a  religious,  guarded  edu- 
cation. At  length  she  felt  the  disease,  which  had  been 
slowly  progressing,  was  rapidly  gaining  ground ;  and 
she  could  labor  no  longer.  In  quiet  resignation  she 
yielded.  She  was  not  surprised  nor  alarmed,  for  it  had 
seemed  for  years,  that  "  death  was  in  all  her  thoughts." 
She  expressed  much  to  those  around  her  while  on  a  bed 
of  languishing,  of  the  fulness  of  peace  in  prospect  before 
her,  in  view  of  her  release  from  this  world  of  trial  and 
change. 

A  few  days  before  her  close  a  well  disposed  neighbor 
inquired  if  she  would  not  wish  to  converse  with  a 
minister  about  spiritual  things.  She  replied,  "  It  mat- 
ters not — my  mind  is  fixed,  my  peace  is  made.  I  fear 
not   death.      I   only  crave  my  departure   may  be   easy. 


Mary  S.  Lippiqcott.  229 

Death  has  no  terror,  the  grave  no  victory  ;  for  my  soul 
triumphs  over  death,  hell,  and  the  grave." 

She  told  her  dear  parents  not  to  think  hard  of  her 
because  she  went  to  boarding  school  (they  having  dis- 
couraged her  on  account  of  her  feeble  health.)  "  My 
peace,"  said  she  "  seemed  to  be  in  it.  I  am  glad  I 
went."  The  evening  before  her  close,  she  called  her 
brother  William  to  her  and  addressed  him  —  "  Dear 
brother,  do  not  hold  me ;  let  me  go  to  the  realms  of 
bliss  above,  beyond  all  pain  and  suffering.  Pray  for 
me  to  be  set  free  this  very  night  if  it  be  my  Heavenly 
Father's  will."  To  her  father  she  said,  ''  I  feel  my  end 
approaching,"  and  then  appeared  in  fervent  supplica- 
tion, "  O  Lord  Jesus,  receive  my  spirit !  yea.  Lord,  this 
moment^  if  such  be  thy  will ;  nevertheless,  not  my  will, 
but  thine,  O  God  !  be  done."  x\fter  this  she  suddenly 
revived  and  said,  "  I  have  something  on  my  mind  for 
soyne  present — all  sit  down — -my  blessed  Lord  has  pro- 
longed my  life  one  night  more."  Then  told  her  brothers 
her  wish,  and  requested  a  private  interview  with  her 
father,  to  whom  she  relieved  her  mind  —  asked  her 
brother  Levi  to  read  several  chapters  in  the  New  Testa- 
ment, and  remained  very  cheerful  and  eas}^  till  day- 
break. Then  asked  for  a  basin  of  water,  washed  her 
hands  and  face,  adjusted  her  hair  and  cap,  and  folded 
her  hands,  saying,  "  Now,  Lord,  I  am  ready  and  wait 
thy  will."  She  continued  in  supplication,  and  passed 
so  quietly  away  that  none  present  could  discern  when 
the  vital   spark   fled.      Her  brother,  in  his  letter  to  me 


230  Life  aqd  Letters  of 

says  :    "So    easy,   so    tranquil,    so    triumphant    a    death 

none  present  ever  before  witnessed." 

M.  S.  Iv. 
MooRESTOWN,  N.  J.,  Fifth  Month   12th,  1856. 

[An  account  of  the  illness  and  death  of  her  hus- 
band. Taken  from  a  letter  written  to  her  valued  friends 
Robert  and  Susanna  Hatton.] 

Second  Month  21st,  1858. — I  write  to  inform  you 
that  ni}^  beloved  husband  has  been  removed  from  our 
midst,  full  of  years,  ready  and  patiently  awaiting  the 
appointed  time  for  his  change.  For  several  months  his 
suffering  was  very  great,  but  his  patience,  cheerfulness 
and  resignation  were  remarkable.  His  faithful  attend- 
ance of  our  religious  meetings,  and  his  solid,  weighty 
deportment  when  there  gathered  with  Friends  (even 
after  he  was  unable  to  sit  up  long  at  a  time,  being 
mostly  in  bed  save  while  at  meeting),  is  also  worthy  of 
remark.  Six  weeks  before  his  death,  when  he  was, 
with  full  unity,  replaced  b}^  the  meeting  in  the  station 
of  Elder,  he  told  me  he  felt  no  desire  that  it  should  be 
so,  as  his  work  was  done  ;  adding  that  he  felt  sweet  and 
continued  peace  for  his  faithfulness,  and  the  assurance 
that  he  had,  through  life,  endeavored  to  serve  his  Divine 
Master.  Though  he  felt  that  he  had  done  very  little 
good  in  the  world,  yet  he  had,  according  to  his  con- 
victions of  right,  endeavored  to  perform  his  duties,  and 
was  now  being  rewarded  with  a  feeling  of  continual 
peace. 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  231 

He  was  sustained  through  great  bodily  suffering, 
and  preserved  in  clearness  of  mental  faculties,  till  a  few 
hours  previous  to  his  close — the  change  taking  place 
gradually.  When  the  heart  refused  to  receive  the  re- 
turning current,  he  had  a  spasm.  After  this  had  sub- 
sided he  breathed  quietly'  for  about  five  minutes,  and 
then  calmly  passed  away. 

After  death  the  countenance  retained  its  serene  and 
pleasant  expression,  looking  as  thoiigh  in  a  sweet  sleep. 

For  about  thirt3--six  hours  before  his  close,  his 
throat  was  so  sore,  and  the  oppression  was  so  great, 
that  he  could  not  lie  down. 

He  took  entirely  to  his  bed  on  vSixth-day,  and  died 
the  following  Third-day,  ninth  inst.,  at  half-past  five  in 
the  afternoon.  He  was  so  emaciated  that  he  desired 
not  to  keep  his  bed,  so  long  as  his  strength  would  admit 
of  his  reclining  in  an  easy  chair. 

Very  many  of  our  friends  and  relatives  called  to 
see  him,  and  to  aid  in  waiting  on  him,  during  the  last 
few  da3's.  To  these  he  spoke  occasionally,  though 
with  great  difficulty,  telling  them  of  his  comfort  and 
his  confidence,  saying  that  he  had  placed  himself  in 
the  care  of  the  Great  Supreme.  When  looking  around 
upon  some  of  his  nieces  and  nephews,  he  said  to  them, 
"  These  feelings  you  must  all  know." 

His  serene  countenance  lighted  up  with  a  smile 
as  he  looked  at  us  in  his  agony,  to  assure  us  of  his 
happiness.  Oh,  may  I  ever  retain  and  keep  fresh  the 
remembrance  of  this  look  ! 


232  Life  and  Letters  of 

During  the  last  few  weeks,  when  he  plainly  saw 
that  the  end  was  drawing  near,  he  had  everything 
made  ready,  so  far  as  practicable,  that  he  might  leave 
all  as  easy  for  us  as  was  possible  for  it  to  be. 

As  time  passed  on  he  desired  more  and  more  to 
be  in  the  quiet,  and  though  pleased  to  see  his  friends, 
he  said  but  little.  He  enjoyed  having  his  family  with 
him,  in  silence,  and  wished  especially  that  /  should  be 
near  him.  Much  of  the  time  he  was  engaged  in  prayer, 
and  not  for  himself  alone  but  for.  others  also.  The 
young  people  were  especially  the  objects  of  his  solici- 
tude, that  they  might  love  the  Truth  and  not  care  so 
much  for  dress  and  fashion.  The  Society  of  Friends 
was  near  his  heart,  its  testimonies  and  its  principles, 
its  order  and  its  sound  doctrines.  I  trust  that  his 
precepts,  strengthened  as  they  were  by  his  example, 
will  not  be  lost. 

On  the  da}-  of  the  funeral  the  weather  was  clear 
and  cold,  and  the  companj;-  ver}-  large.  There  was  a 
solemn  hush  over  all.  It  was  the  first  coffin  and  the 
first  grave  that  ever  looked  to  me  like  a  comfortable 
home  for  the  earthly  tabernacle.  Powerful  testimonies 
were  borne  by  several  Friends — J.  H.,  and  J.  T.,  among 
others,  speaking  of  his  uprightness  as  a  pillar  in  the 
Church,  as  a  neighbor  beloved,  as  a  devoted  friend  to 
the  poor,  as  well  as  a  tender,  loving  husband  and  father. 

His  was,  indeed,  a  long  and  useful  life.  He  gave 
away  hundreds  of  dollars  to  the  poor ;  and  even  when 
in    straits    himself   he   divided    his    means    with    others. 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  233 

There  was  no  bitterness  in  his  heart  against  any ;  as  he 
said,  "  To  his  own  Master  every  man  must  stand  or 
fall,"  adding,  "  those  who  are  in  the  Truth  shall  stand ; 
but  those  who  are  fighting  against  it,  must  fall." 

We  shall  feel  our  stripping  very  much  indeed,  for 
we  have  lost  a  dear  friend  and  father ;  but  we  have  a 
Father  in  Heaven  in  whom  we  trust,  and  whose  good- 
ness and  mercy  still  endure.  The  continued  assurance 
that  the  dear  departed  is  in  the  full  fruition  of  bliss, 
rejoices  my  soul. 

We  enjoyed  our  life  together,  checkered  though  it 
was,  for  we  were  joined  in  that  union  that  death  cannot 
dissolve ;  and  I  look  toward  meeting  him  where  parting 
shall  be  no  more. 

May  the  blessing  of  preservation  attend  us  all 
through  life,  is  the  desire  of  your  friend, 

M.  S.  L. 

[The  following  extracts  from  two  letters  to  her 
grandson,  give  the  only  account  that  we  have  from  her 
pen,  of  the  last  days  of  her  daughter  Jane.] 

Second  Month  13th,  1885. — She  is  still  living,  but 
very  low.  She  has  been  a  great  sufferer,  and  still 
suffers  much  at  times,  and  is  ver}-,  very  weak.  Men- 
tally she  is  bright,  entirely  resigned,  and  desirous  to 
be  released  at  the  right  time.  Indeed,  for  the  past  five 
3^ears,  since  she  has  been  sick,  and  often  a  great  sufferer, 
she  has  known  what  the  result  would  be.  Several 
weeks  ago,  knowing  that  she  was  failing,  she  had  all 

16 


234  Life  and  Letters  of 

her  affairs  arranged,  and  has  since  given  directions  for 
fnneral,  interment,  &c.  She  has  requested  that  all  be 
plain  and  quiet.  Thy  aunt  Phebe  is  with  us,  and 
expects  to  remain  until  after  the  change.  To  her,  Jane 
made  known  her  wishes  as  to  the  arrangements  after 
death,  and  then  as  if  turning  her  mind  from  earthly 
things,  she  said  to  the  doctor,  "  Everything  is  now 
ready,  and  I  can  die  in  peace."  Every  day  she  looks 
with  hope  toward  the  close,  though  she  desires  to  be 
patient,  as  has  been  the  case  during  her  long  illness, 
which  she  has  accepted  so  cheerfully.  She  has,  as  is 
not  unusual  with  consumptives  when  near  their  close, 
a  dread  of  strangling  or  choking  with  phlegm,  but  the 
doctor  soothes  her  by  telling  her  that  he  thinks  she 
will  pass  off  easily,  as  was  the  case  with  thy  father. 

Many  of  her  friends  and  relatives  have  visited  her, 
and  much  kindness  has  been  manifested  by  bringing  or 
sending  delicacies  to  tempt  her  appetite,  and  beautiful 
flowers  for  her  to  look  upon.  For  the  past  few  weeks 
she  has  not  been  able  to  see  much  company,  and  now 
she  can  see  scarcely  any,  without  increasing  her  suffer- 
ing. 

We  are  so  glad  that  thee  and  Isaac  came  last  winter, 
when  she  was  able  to  enjoy  3^our  society.  We  knew 
then  that  she  could  not  live  a  great  while  ;  and  now, 
though  a  close  trial  to  part  with  her,  yet  we  are  thank- 
ful to  have  had  her  spared  so  long ;  and  still  more  so, 
to  see  her  aware  of  her  situation,  and  3'et   resigned  and 


Mary  S.  Lippiqcott.  235 

happy.  We  feel  that  we  cannot  ask  to  have  her  live,  if 
she  must  continue  to  suffer. 

She  M^ould  have  been  glad  to  see  Lizzie  and  Richard, 
but  now  she  can  only  send  love,  with  desires  for  your 
welfare,  in  which  we  join. 

Second  Month  22nd,  1885. — I  write  to  thee  as  soon 
as  I  feel  that  I  can.  We  should  have  been  comforted 
to  have  j^ou  with  us,  but  knowing  that  j^ou  could  not 
come,  we  did  not  expect  you.  That  our  feelings  were 
together  we  well  knew  ;  and  this  lielped  to  compensate 
for  your  absence  in  person. 

Jane's  sufferings  for  most  of  the  time  after  the  first 
change — about  forty-eight  hours  before  the  final  one — 
were  very  great,  but  with  wonderful  patience  she  bore 
all.  Her  resignation  and  peace  continued,  and  she  made 
a  touching  appeal  that  our  praj^ers  with  hers  might 
ascend  for  her  release^  if  to  her  Heavenly  Father  it 
should  seem  right  to  grant  this  request. 

From  the  frequent  accumulation  in  her  throat,  and 
her  inability  to  raise  much,  on  account  of  her  weakness, 
she  dreaded  strangulation. 

The  last  night  was,  indeed,  severe,  and  it  was  hard 
for  us  to  witness  her  suffering,  which  we  were  unable  to 
relieve,  and  we  could  only  try  to  comfort  her.  Several 
times  she  spoke  of  the  lightness  of  her  afflictions  when 
compared  with  those  of  the  blessed  Jesus,  both  in  the 
Garden  and  on  Calvary. 

About  day-break  she  experienced  a  little  alleviation 
of  her  suffering,  but  the  change  that  was  coming  came 


236  Life  ar\d  Letters  of 

fast :  she  passed  quietly  away,  sensible  and  clear  in 
riiind,  till  her  hand  dropped  from  Margaret's. 

Everything  had  been  said,  done,  devised  and  made 
ready,  as  clearly  and  calmly  as  if  about  to  start  on  an 
earthly  journey.  For  several  years  she  had  known  what 
was  coming,  and  felt  resigned  to  the  event,  though  she 
said  if  she  could  be  well  she  would  like  to  stay  with  us, 
for  she  had  such  a  happy  life,  and  so  loved  her  family 
and  her  friends. 

She  was  the  recipient  of  much  kindness  and  at- 
tention from  our  friends,  and  everything  that  it  was 
thought  might  aid  or  comfort  her,  physically,  was  fur- 
nished. Her  love  and  gratitude  seemed  abounding ;  and 
after  her  other  messages  had  been  left  she  said,  "Mother, 
give  my  love  to  everybody." 

Just  at  the  last,  dropsy  set  in,  which  caused  a  slight 
swelling  of  the  face  and  made  the  corpse  appear  very 
life-like. 

Everything  in  connection  with  her  burial  was  done 
in  accordance  with  the  directions  she  had  given.  The 
funeral  was  large,  both  here  and  at  Moorestown  Meeting 
House.  Phebe  and  myself  did  not  go  out,  as  we  both 
were  somewhat  ailing. 

The  body  was  laid  in  the  Friend's  ground  at  Moores- 
town, where  those  of  thy  grandfather,  thy  father,  our 
other  children,  and  many  near  and  dear  ones  repose. 
Their  remains  lie  there,  but  we  trust  the  immortal  souls 
are  'at  rest — so  many  gave  full  assurance  thereof,  and 
were  favored  to  die  in   peace.     Should  the  same  be  our 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  237 

portion,  we  shall   reunite.     The  future  is  a  promise  of 
bliss,  and  this  at  the  end  crowns  all. 

You  may  judge  of  our  trial  and  bereavement;  but 
we  resigned  the  dear  one,  and  did  not  desire  to  have 
her  suffering  prolonged.  She  was  so  happy,  having 
neither  doubts  nor  fears  to  disturb  her,  that  we  can  only 
feel  as  if  our  loss  is  her  eternal  gain. 

M.  S.  L. 


238  Life  and  Letters  of 


CHAPTER    V. 


VERSKS. 


.  y.V  ASP  IRA  riON. 

J^OOR  and  distressed,  I   inward   turn, 
^~-^      To  muse  u])on   my  woe  ; 
I   teel  depressed  and  deeply  tried, — 
Oh  !  whither  shall  I  .^o  ? 

To  Thee,  (ireat  God  !   my  spirit  turns. 

My  soul   in  secret  prays. 
That   Thou   may  keep  me  sate  trom   harm. 

And   shield   me  all   ww   days. 

I   know   I've  orieved  thy   own   dear  Son, 

By  turning   I)ack  again. 
From   journeying   in    the  narrow  way, — 

Then   why  should    I    com]^lain  ? 

How  raise  my   xoice  to  Thee,  and   crave 

Thy  mercy  and    thy  love  ; 
When   I   so  often   turn  aside, 

And   disobedient   pro\'e  ? 

Yet,  I   will  raise  my  feeble  voice, 

And  for  forgiveness  pray, 
That  I  may  make  thy  will  my  choice, 

And  own  my  devious  way. 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  239 

Be  pleased,  Alniioht\-   ( iod  !  to  hear 

A  trembling    sinner's    cry  ; 
Whose  heart,  once  more,  would   turn   to  Thee, 

And  on   thy  grace    rely, 

For  daily  strenoth   t(»  do  th\-   will, 

And  ne'er  from  Thee  dejiart  ; 
Whose  light  can  make  the  {pathway  plain, 

Whose  love  can   change  the  heart. 

Admit  me  into  thine  abode, 

To  be  a  servant  there  ; 
To  go  or  come  at  tliy  command, 

And  make  my  life  a  prayer. 


1822. 


THE   S  TR  UG  GL  E. 

I  I  H,  how  can   I  obedient  rise 

To  voice  my    Maker's  praise  ; 
How  shall  I  ever  bear  the  cross 
To  tune  aloud  xwx  lays  ? 

In  solitude  I'd  rather  dwell, 

In  dark  obli\'ion's  vale, 
To  \'iew  the  face  of  man  no  more, 

Nor  tell  my  piteous  tale, — 

Rather  than  face  the  multitudes, 
And  preach  the  word  of  life  : — 

My  human  nature  weakness  pleads, 
And  hence  the  constant  strife. 


240  Life  ar\d  Letters  of 

One  spirit  says,  "Give  up,  my  child, 
And  thou  the  way  shalt  see:" 

The  other,  —  "No,  thou  canst  not   })reach, 
So  come   and    follow  me." 

Sometimes,  the  first — which  plainly  speaks— 

I'm   ready  to  obey  ; 
Then  comes  the  Reasoner,  weakness  pleads, 

And  so   I   shrink  away. 

I'm   tossed   and   whirled  from   side  to  side 

And  ofttimes  fear  a  fall  ; 
But  still  I   fmd  a  Saviour  near. 

Whose  voice  renews  the  call. 

When  shall    I   know  a  heart  resigned 

To  vield   my  stubborn  will  ; 
To   cast  me  down   at  Jesus'    feet. 

His  purpose  to  fulfill. 


O  VER  COMING     TEMP  TA  TION. 

pj  OW   let  me  count  his  mercies  o'er, 
*         And  praise  my  Maker's  name  ; 
Rely  on  Him,  forevermore, 

Whose  power  is  still  the  same. 

'Tis  much  I  try  my  thoughts  to  guide, 
My  passions  fierce  to  curb  ; 

That  I  in  meekness  may  abide, 
Where  nought  can  peace  disturb. 


Mary  S.  Lippiqcott.  241 

Yet  still  the  tempter's  baits  are  set 

To  lead  my  mind  astray, 
To  tangle  me  within  his  net, 

And  drag  me   far  away. 

But  oh  !   may   He  who   reigns  above, 

Still  listen  to  my  cry  ; 
And,  with   a   Father's  tender  love. 

Abounding   grace  supply. 

In   Him   my  hope  is   centered  all, 

To  Him  alone  I  look, 
To  have  transgressions  washed   away, — 

Sinsi  blotted  from  his  book. 

Oh  !   will   He  hear  my   piteous  cry  ? 

To  me  will   He  attend  ? 
Will   He  extend   his  arm   of  love. 

And  guide  me  to  the  end  ? 

Poor  and  unworthy  as   I   am, 

He  does  not  me  forget  ; 
Tho'  of  his  love  I  feel  bereft 

He  does  not  lea\'e  me  yet. 

My  wanderings  in  a  desert  are, 

Where  drink  is  hard  to  find  ; — 
For  Marah's  waters  taste  of  gall, 

With  wormwood  seem  combined. 

Yet  still  I   hope  to  journey  on, 

And  reach  that  happy  land 
Which  all  the  wandering  pilgrims  found, 
Who  heeded  his  command. 
Twelfth  Month  29th,  1823. 


242  Life  and  Letters  of 


REFLECTIONS. 

Oh  seeing  the  morning  clouds  ilisperse. 

I    SAW  the  clouds  disperse  in  air, 
The  sun  break  forth   and  shine  ; 
And  thought  the  morn  so  fresh  and  fair, 
That  pleasure  would  be  mine  : 

But  ah  !  for  me,  'tis  vanity 
To  hope  for  scenes  so  bright  ; 

My  joys  have  fled,  in  haste  they  sped, 
And  left  my  saddened   soul  in  gloom  of  wintry  night. 

Days  of  my  childhood,  ye  were  sweet  ! 

My  brother,  thou  wast  dear  ! 
How  oft  we  joyful  used  to  meet, 
Nor  dream  of  trouble  near. 

We  little  knew,  the  word   adieu 
Should  pass  our  lips  so  soon, — 

In  early  day,  thou  fled  away, 
Like  as  the  morning  dew,  gone  long;  before  the  noon. 

Thy  transient  tarriance,  here  below. 

Oft  tills  my  heart  with  grief; 
But  while  I  weep,  I'm  brought  to  know 
Wherein  to  seek  relief 

There  is  a  God  whose  chastening  rod 
His  children  all  must  feel  ; 

That  they  may  find  true  peace  of  mind, 
Which  to  devoted  ones  He  will,  in  time,  reveal. 

Then,  since  'tis  thus,  dry  up,  ye  tears  ! 
Ye  sighs,  be  heard  no  more  ! 


Mary  S.  Lippiqcott.  243 

Begone,  afflicting,  troubling  fears  !  *  * 

Gone  with  the  days  of  yore :  — 

I'll  strive  to  raise  my   heart  in   praise 
To  God,  who  gave  us  birth  ; 

This  troubled   mind,  then,  then  shall   hnd — 
The  fountain  of  true  peace  flows  pure  from  Heaven  not  earth. 
First  Monlli   i6th,   1S25. 


A'.-l  ruRE. 

P^  N  D  what  is  Nature  ?     Can  the  mind  of  man 

With  all   its  boasted  powers,  the   word  explain  P 
Dare  he  presume   its  mysteries  to  scan, 

That  so  no  shadow  of  a  doubt  remain 

How  aught  was  tbrmed,  and  nothing   formed  in  vain  ? 

And  what  /s  Nature?     Is  yon  blue  expanse, 
Spread   like  a  canopy  our  heads  above. 

Besprinkled  o'er  with  sparkling  gems  to  eniiance 
Jehovah's  goodness,  and  Jehovah's  love, — 
The  source  of  life,  the  spring  which  all  doth   move? 

And  what  /s  Nature?     Do  the  trees  that  wave 
Their  branches   in   the  breeze  that  gently  blows, 

Know  more  than   we  the  Almighty   Power  that  gave 
Them  ]:)lace  on  earth  to  flourish  and  repose  : — 
Are  not  all  these  effects,  his  bounty  to  disclose? 

Ah,  yes  !     And  man  their  beauties  may  survey, 
Admire  the  graces  in  each  form  combined, 

And  learn  the  genuine  cause  of  this  display — 
Though  Nature  called — is  God,  forever  kind 
To  impart  instruction  to  the  incjuiring  mind. 


244  Life  and  Letters  of 


TR  urn. 

\k]  HAT  is  that  orb  of  radiant  light 

Whose  rays  dispel  the  gloom  ol  night, 
And  gild  perpetual  day  ; — 
Is  it  the  sun  our  eyes  behold, 
Each  day   his  bright' ning  beams  unlbld, 
Round   which  this  earth   so  oit  has  rolled, 
And  still   rolls  on   her  way  ? 

Ah,  no  !   More  glorious   'tis,   by  I'ar, 
Than   is  that    brightly  beaming   star 

Which  shines  upon  our  sphere. 
'Tis  Truth  dispenses  light  and  heat. 
And  clothes,  with  panoply  complete. 
Our  minds,  that  thus  enjoyment  sweet, 

The  passing  hours  may  cheer. 

Truth,  from   the  fount   of  Heavenly  joy, 
Its  crystal  streams,  without  alloy, 

Shall  in  our  bosoms  pour- 
As  we  are  zealous  to  prepare, 
Now,  in  our  youth,  a  channel   there, 
'Twill  free  from  harm  and  every  snare, 

And  fit  for  Canaan's  shore. 

Rensselaerville,  N.  Y. 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  245 

HYMN. 
I  O  Thee,  O  God,  I   raise  mine  eyes  ! 
Be  pleased  to  hear  my  feeble  cries  ; 
Look  down  with  pity  from  above  ; 
And   fill   my   heart  with   Heaxenly  love  ! 

'Tis  much   I   need  a  Saviour's  smile 
To  keep  me  free  from  Satan's  wile. 
Preserve  my  heart  from   wilful   wrong. 
And  safely,  gentl)-,   lead  along. 

Oh  leave  me  not,  my  Guide,  my  love  ! 
But  try  me  oft,  my  heart  to  prove. 
And  bring  me  nearer  home  to  Thee 
Where  I  shall   be  forever  free. 

Teach  me  to  do  thy  holy  will, 
All  thy   Divine  commands  fulfill, — 
To  spread  thy  glorious  truths  abroad, 
And  turn  the  wanderer's  heart   to  God. 

I  have  not  kept  thy  Word  alway. 
But  turned  aside  from  day  to  day  ; 
Have  wandered  from  the  path  of  Truth, 
And  been  a  proud,   rebellious  youth. 

But  now  to  Thee,  O  Lord  !   I  turn, 
And  while  my  lamp  holds  out  to  burn, 
ni  seek  forgix'eness  for  the  past. 
And  strength  to  ser\e  Thee  to  the  last. 

Be  Thou   my  hope,  my  strength,  my  shield. 
Then,  with  thy  aid,  my  heart   I'll   vield  ; 
ril  journey  on   my   Heavenly   way. 
And  bear  thv  voke  from  day  to  day. 


246  Life  and  Letters  of 

HYMN. 

I  H  O  U  only  knowest,  God  of  love, 

How  \ain,  how  foolish,  I  should  pro\'e. 
If  left  to  choose  my  way  ; 
Be,  therefore,  pleased  to  keep  me  low  ; 
Keep  me  from  wandering  to  and  fro, 
When  much   I   strive  and  fain  would  go 

F'ar,  far  from   Thee  astray. 

Be  pleased  to  guide  me,  all  my  days, 
And  teach   my  \'oice  to  lisp  thy  praise, 

My  heart  thy  will  to  do  : — 
No  more  I  ask,  no  more  I  crave. 
Than  this  to  know,  to  feel  I  have. 
Thy  presence  near,  thy  arm  to  save 

Thy  love  mv  soul  to  woo. 


TO  A.  J.    T. 

lyEW  are  our  pleasures  here  below. 

And  quickly  they  must  pall  ; 
The  world  appears  a  beauteous  show. 
But  those  who  view  shall  surely  know 
Its  dazzling  splendor   is  but  woe, 
And  darkness   brings  on  all. 

In  early  life  my  fancy  viewed 

A  scene  of  perfect  bliss, 

Within  this  dreary  solitude. 

This  wilderness  so  wild  and  rude, 

I   thought  no  grief  would  e'er  intrude. 

To  blast  ni)'  happiness. 


Mary  S.  Lippiqcott.  247 

But,  ah,  how  soon  the  vision   fled  ; 

I  disappointment  found  ; 

My  cheerful  moments  from  me  sped, 

And  with  them  joys  my  heart  had  read, 

And  hopes  that   had  profusely  spread 

My  youthful  bower  around. 

A  gloomy  aspect  then 

All  Nature  seemed  to  wear  ; 
I  looked  toward   Heaven,   and  sighed 

For  early  entrance  there  : 
Then,   humbled  and  resigned, 

I  felt  a  Father's  love  ; 
A   holy  quiet  clothed   my  mind. 

Which    came  from   Ciod   above. 

And  though  we  taste  of  deep  distress, 
May  we  not  dare    complain  ; 
For  He  who  wounds  intends  to  bless. 
If  we  our  griefs  sustain. 
And  now,   farewell  !    Time  hastes  away  ;_ 
Its  sands  will  soon  be  run  ; 
Then  may  our  Saviour  sweetly  say 
'  Rest — for  thy  work  is  done. 


.^    PRAYER. 
I  H  O  U  ,   Great,    Supreme,    Propitious,    Merciful, 
Whose  smile  is  ecstasy,   whose  frown  is  grief! 
Why  was  my  soul  so  bowed  ?  Spirits  depressed  ? 
Have  my  vain,   wand"  ring  thoughts  unbidden  trode 
Imagination's  round  ;  and  with  a  zest. 
Unseemly  in  thy  sight,   indulged  in  themes 


248  Life  and  Letters  of 

Unripe  for  contemplation,   and  forbid 

Yet  to  be  nurtured  in  affection's  soil, 

While  doubt  and  darkness  veil  the  future  scenes  ? 

If  so,   O  Lord,   forgive  thy  erring  child  ! 

Restrain  my  ardent  feelings,   and  confine 

My  thoughts  within  the  limits  of  thy  love  ! 

Oh,  teach  my  heart,  in  Thee  alone  to  trust  ; 

To  fix  its  purposes  and  rest  its  hopes  ! 

For  all  on  earth  is  restless  as  the  waves 

That  rise  and  fall  by  agitating  winds, 

And  bury  in  the  deep  man's  fondest   hopes, 

Ingulf  his  treasures,   and  frustrate   his  plans. 


LINES   ADDRESSED     TO   R.    S. 

/Vl  Y   heart  with  sympathy  afresh  doth  glow. 

And  gladly  would  the  healing  balm  bestow  ; 
If  thou  art  free  to  tell  me  thy  distress. 
Perhaps  thy  cup  of  sorrow  will  be  less  : 
Thy  throbbing  breast  may  feel  a  calm  relief, 
By  thus  imparting  to  a  friend  thy  grief 
And  oh,  dear  sister  !    there  is  One  on  High, 
Whose  ear  is  open  to  each  secret  sigh — 
He  knows  thy  state,   remembers  thee  in  love. 
And  He  thy  never-failing  F"riend  will  prove. 
Be  not  dismayed,  for  there   is  nought  to  fear  ; 
His  guardian-angel  presence  still  is  near. 
For  his  pavilion  is  a  refuge  sure, 
And  in  it  all  his  children  dwell  secure. 
Though  waters  rise,  and  howling  tempests  blow 
Around  thy  dwelling,  threat' ning  to  o'erthrow  ; 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  249 

His  Holy  Hand  is  underneath  to  save 
Thy  soul  from  sinking  in  the  watery  grave. 
Then  courage  take,  and  to  the  port  of  peace 
Press  on  with  faith,  and  strength  will  yet  increase  ; 
Thou' It  reach  the  goal  of  rest  beyond  the  skies, 
Where  holy  anthems  to  the   throne  arise  ; 
The  face  of  God,  there  ever  to  behold. 
And  rest  with  angels  in  thy  Shepherd's  fold. 


PA  R  TING     L INES. 

Addressed  to  a  Coin])aiiir)ii  at  Rciisselaerville. 

I  H  E  approaching  hour  is   near, 

When  thou  and  I  must  part,  perhaps  forever. 
Sad,  solemn  thought  !    yet  should  it  be  e'en  so, 
That  observation  ne'er  again  shall  bring 
Thy  form  to  view  ;  still  there  exists 
A  precious  cement  in  the  hidden  life, 
Which  even  gray  old  Time  cannot  dissolve. 
Though  his  destructive  scythe  may  sweep  away 
All  sublunary  grandeur  ;    level  down 
The  pomp  of  monarchs  and   the  |)ride  of  men; 
Our  love  shall  change  not,  if  we  keep  in  view 
The  goal  of  peace  beyond  this  fleeting  scene, 
And  fix  our  hopes  on  High.      F"or  from  the  fount 
There  flows  a  gentle  stream  of  love  Divine, 
Binding  together,  as  with  silver  cords, 
The  spirits  of  the  righteous,  even  here, 
Before  dismantled  of  these  robes  of  clay. 
I  leave,  but  not  forget  thee.      Thou  shalt  still — 
17 


250  Life  aqd  Letters  of 

At  seasons  when  all   Nature's  hushed  around, 
And  silence  reigns— fit  time  for  contemplation — 
Have  place  in  memory  of  thy  distant  friend. 
Fond  memory  shall,  well  pleased,  recall  the  hours 
Which  we,  in  converse  sweet,  together  passed, 
Beneath  the  roof  of  our  parental  friend 
Whose  love  extended  to  his  little  flock. 
And  from  his    lips  sweet  counsel  ofttimes  flowed. 
Which  raised  our  spirits  when  sore  prcst  with  care. 

0  sister  !    may  we  nevermore  forget 

P'avors  which  boundless  Goodness   has  bestowed. 
When,  in  his  love.  He  made  our  cups  run  o'er. 
And  gave  us  joy  for  sorrow,  bliss  for  woe  ! 
Farewell,  dear  friend  !    I  go  :   from  loved  ones  go  ; 
The  many  who  my  fond  affections  share. 

1  go  to  kindred,  friends  of  early  days, 

A  mother — sweetest  friend  this  earth  affords — 
From  whose  sweet  lips  dropt  ofttimes  out 
The  comprehensive  words — "Be  good,  for  that  is  all 
All,  my  dear  children   that  I   ask  of  you."    *   *   '"^ 
May  choicest  blessings  rest  upon  thy  head, 
Pure  from  the  unmeasured  Source  of  life  and  love, 
Forever  be  thy  heart  the  Lord's  to  do  his  will  : 
So,  v/hen  a  few  more  years  have  rolled  around, 
And  Nature's  powers  have  waned,  their  vigor  spent. 
Then  may  thy  isun  go  down  without  a  cloud. 
And  thy  enfranchised  soul,  from  earth  released, 
Soar  far  away  into  the  realms  of  light. 
There  we  may  meet,  if  hand  in  hand  we  go, 
(Though  distant  far  our  fragile  frames  may  be 
One  from  the  other)  as  hopeful  pilgrims  to 
A   far-off  land,  to  join  our  Master  there. 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  251 

.7    THOUGHT. 

JaThY  have   I    left  all  serious  thought, 

To  seek  those  pleasures  dearly  bought  ; 
And  which,   ere  this,   I  have  been  taught 
Are  nought  but  \anity  ? 

Why   have  I    not  my  will   resigned, 
And  left  all  foolish   things  behind  ; 
Seeking   to  (iod  for  strength  of  mind, 
In  true  sincerity  ? 

'Tis  in  that  state  we're  brought  to  know 
The  vanity  of  things  below. 
So  as  with  joy  to  let  them  go. 
For  pure  simplicity. 


AN  ASPIRATION. 

I  O   Thee,  my   ( jod,  this  morn   I   raise 

My  voice,  thy  glorious  name  to  praise, 
And  tunc  anew  my  lyre  ; 
Be  pleased,  once  more,  to  condescend, 
And  to  my  feeble  cry  attend — 
Be  Thou  my  P'ather,  Guide  and  Friend, 
My  inmost  soul  inspire. 

This  heart  has  oft  been  known  to  stray  ; 
Has  deviated  from  thy  way. 

More  times  than  I  can  tell  ; 
Yet  still,  with  faith,  I  look  on  Thee, 
Poor  and  unworthy  though   I   be, 
Desiring  Thou  wilt  chasten  me, 

Till  fit  with  Thee  to  dwell. 


252  Life  and  Letters  of 

BLESS    US,    O  FATHER,    BLESS/ 

Written,  probably,  on  the  day  of  her  Marriage. 

I  H  E  E  we  adore  !    Thy  presence  now  we  seek, 
To  strengthen  and  sustain,    for  we  are  weak  ; 
Though  bound  by  love  to  join  in  wedlock's  bands, 
Yet  to  confirm  the  pledge,  strengthen  our  hands. 
Oh,  raise  our  hearts  by  faith  to  trust  in  Thee, 
That  kind  and  faithful  we  may  ever  be. 
Should  joys  attend  us,  may  our  prayers  ascend, 
As  incense  offered  to  the  Lord,  our  Friend  ; 
Or,  if  affliction  be  our  portion  here. 
Still  grant  us  grace,  thy  goodness  to  revere  : 
No  less  our  Friend  when  sorrows  bow  us  down, 
Than  when  the  stream  of  joy  flows  smoothly  on. 
Be  thou  our  light,  to  guide  us  on  our  way 
From  earth's  bewildering  shades  to  endless  day. 


TO    MY  HUSBAND. 

I  HOUGH  trials  are  our  portion  while  passing  through  this 
scene, 
They  sometimes  are  permitted,  our  \o\e  from  earth  to  wean. 
Thou  feelest  desolation  pervade  thy  troubled  breast, 
While  harrowing  cares  and  hopes  destroyed  disturb  thy  wonted 

rest. 
Thou  travelest  in  secret,  along  thy  lonely  way, 
Desiring  still  to  keep  thine  eye  upon  the  star  of  day  ; 
And  oh,  dear  one,  be  not  dismayed,  nor  yield  thou  to  despair, 
But  know  in  all  thy  trials  sore  my  soul  doth  freely  share. 
I've    drunk    of  sorrow's    bitter    cup,    have    felt    some    poignant 
grief. 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  253 

Yet   on  my  Saviour's  bosom    I   ha\e  always  found  relief; 
And   diere,  my  dear  companion,  let  thv  fond  hopes  be  stayed, 
Then,  of  the  storms  and   temj)ests  thou   need   not  be  afraid. 
Although  thou  dost   not   feel   it,   thy  God   is  with  thee  still  ; 
Preparino   thee  more  fully  to  do  his  holy  will  ; 
lie's  drawing  thy  afilections,  from   earth's  bewitching  ties, 
And  staining  all  their  beauty  in   thy  noiv  anointed  eyes  ; 
That  thou   mayst  view  the  glory,  reserxed  in   Heaven  above. 
And,  numbered  with   Ciod's  children,  be  sealed  with  holy  love. 
Though   adverse  winds    may  raise    the    waves    that  ■  threaten    to 

o'erwhelm, 
Keep  faith  and  hoj)e  in  constant  view,  and  thou   the  tide  shalt 

stem. 
A  language  of  encouragement  I   feel  to  thee  is  due, 
As  is  thy  day,  thy  strength  shall  be,  thy  journey  to  pursue. 
Within  the  mighty  waters  his  chamber  beams  are  laid, 
So,    though    thy    bark    be    tossed    thereon,    thou    need    not    be 

afraid  ; 
F'or  He'll  arise  tVom  slumbering,  and  bid  the  tempest  cease, 
Then    steer    thy  course    for    Canaan's    shore,   the    only  land  of 

peace. 
He'll  give,  in   place  of  sorrow,  those  joys   that  perish   not  ; 
And  thus  thy  former  trials  will  almost  be  forgot. 
Whom  the  Lord  loves  He  chastens,  now  as  in  former  days. 
For  which,  in  times  of  favor,  we  oft  are  filled  with  praise. 
I  do  believe,  my  cherished  one,  the  Lord  is  choosing  thee, 
A  vessel  stamped  with  holiness,  within  his  house  to  be. 
Oh,  my  beloved  companion  !  may  we  again  renew 
Our  covenants,  our  confidence,  and  then  our  way  pursue  ; 
The  way  to  Zion's  holy  mount,  to  offer  incense  there. 
And  to  pass  our  fleeting  hours    and  days    in  deep  and  fervent 

prayer  ; 


254  Life  and  Letters  of 

With  our  tent  spread  in  the  valley,   where  Heavenly  dews  de- 
scend, 
With  Jesus  tbr  our  constant,  and  our  never-failing   triend  ; 
For  under  his  pavilion,  no  foes  can  e'er  prevail. 
Although  they  may  encamp  around,  and  threaten  to  assail. 
Then  though   the  world  against   us,  with   hostile  arms  arise, 
It  shall  not  e'en  disturb  our  peace,  for  God  can  hear  our  cries. 
Then  may  the  Lord,  in  mercy,  be  with  us,  day  by  day, 
And    give    us    strength    and    courage    to  drive    all   our   doubts 

away. 
Farewell,  by  pen  and  paper  !   Oh,  Lord  !  our  souls  do  keep  ; 
Until  at  last  we  slumber,  in  unawakening  sleep  ; 
Then  bear  us  to  a  mansion  safe,  of  never-ending  rest. 
And  bid  us  join  triumphant,  the  number  of  the  blest. 

Chesterville,  N.  J.,  'lliird  Month  ist,  1S30. 


"  THE  star:' 

A   Heiiiidical,  etlited  by  four  boys;  brothers. 

^Y    STAR   announced  the  Saviour's  birth, 

When   He  appeared  in   flesh  ; 
Glad  tidings  rang  throughout  the  earth. 
And  joy  sprang  up  atresh. 

The  wise  men   journeyed  on  their  way, 

And  lightly  trod  the  ground  ; 
Until  the  star  was  seen  to  stay 

O'er  where  the  child  was  found. 

Though  many  years  have  passed  us  by, 

Since  that  eventful  day  ; 
Another,  shining  brilliantly, 

Again  may  light  our  way, 


Mary  S.  Uppiqcott.  255 

And  lead  to  where  the  chikh-en  are 

Who,  innocent  and  ^ay, 
Convey  instruction,  through  the   "  The  Star," 

To  hght  the  youthful  way. 


Fifth  iA[()iith  3rd,  1S4S. 


TO    GEORGE    HATTON. 

On  the  Death  of  his  Wile. 

(-|OOD   is  the  Lord,  and  good   his  gifts  to  man — 

Tho',  in   his  wisdom.  He  should  take  away 
The  earthly  prop,  leaning   on  which   he  ran 
The  race  before  him,  as  sJie  smoothed  the  way  ; 
But  this  to  try  his  faith,  to  test  his  love. 
That  his  fn"m   hold  on   fleaven,  He  thus  may  prove. 
Shall  man  distrust,  and  cast  away  his  shield. 
As  though  with  oil  he  had  not  been  anointed  ; 
While  called  to  labor  in  the  har\'est  field. 
And  seeing-  plain  the  work    to  him   appointed  ? 
Ah,  no  !  dear  brother  !   Help  Divine  is  near. 
And  in  the  Haming  bush   Ciod   does  appear. 
His  voice  thou  knovvest,  when  in  language  sweet, 
He  calls  thee  forth  to  preach  his  glorious  word. 
On  holy  ground  thou  stands  ;  from  oft   thy  feet 
Go  put  thy  shoes;  again  gird  on   "the  sword" — - 
That  powerful  weapon  which   lops  sin  away, 
And  gains  the  passport  to  eternal  day. 
Sinners  are  made  to  tremble  when  they  hear 
The  solemn  truths  which  instruments  declare  : 
How  glorious  do  the  feet  of  these  appear 
To  those  who  would  for  peace  and  rest  prepare. 


256  Life  aqd  Letters  of 

Then  gird  on  strength  ;   let  gladness  clear  thy  brow 
As  valiant  once,  so  valiant  be  thou   now. 
And  in  thy  turn,  when  all  thy  work  is  done, 
When  from  thy  lal)or  thou  art  called  to  rest, 
No  sorrow,  sighing,  grief  shall  then  be  known. 
But  joy  and  gladness — blest,  forever  blest, 
Thy  soul  immortal — freed  from  bonds  of  clay — 
Shall  wing  its  flight  to  everlasting  day. 
First  Month   i9tli,  1850. 


STAiVZAS. 

Found,  oti  ;i  paper  used  as  a  marker,   in  the  Bible  of  M.  S.  L. 

lA/E  ask.  Who  shall  ascend  on   High, 

To  scan  the  world  of  spirits  ? 
To  see  the  glory — majesty- 
Each   ransomed  soul  inherits  ? 

No  eye  untouched — with   healing  salve — 

By  (iod's  own  finger,  e'er 
Can  see  the  iM'illiant  crowns  they  have 

Who  dwell  lbre\er  there. 

The  \ulture's  eye  behc^ldeth   not. 
The  lion's  whelp  ne'er  treads 

The  path — that  consecrated  spot — 
In   which  his  spirit  leads. 

The  eye  of  Faith  discerns  the  way 

Emmanuel's  sons  have  trod  ; 
Which,  bright' ning  to  the  perfect  day, 
Ends  in  the  House  of  God. 
Ninth  Month  21st,   1857, 


Mary  S.  Lippiqcott.  257 


LIFE. 

plow  short  is  lile  !    Alas,  how   soon 
The  morning   verges  into   noon, 

The   noon  to  sombre  night  ; 
But  sweet  the  noon,  and  bright  the  day, 
To  those  who  walk  in   wisdom's  way — - 

Loved  children  ot'  the  Light. 

Though  morn  and  noon   have  passed  you   by, 
And  evening's  shades  are  drawing  nigh. 

The  night   will  bring  you   rest  : 
For  not  in  vain,  your  lives  were  given  ; 
To  aid  the  needy  you  have  striven, 

And  such  are  e\'er  blest. 

Through  straits  and  trials  we  must  go 
Along  our  pathway  here  below  ; 

For  'tis  the  lot  of  all  ; 
Sinner  and  saint  temptations  have. 
But  God  is  ever  near  to  save 

Those  who  upon  Him  call. 

A  beacon  light  is  placed  within, 

To  show  the  right,  to  warn  from  sin — 

And  he  that  will  obey, 
Can  journey  on  with  faith  preserved 
In  God,  whom  he  has  loved  and  served — 

To  lead  him  on  his  way. 


258  Life  and  Letters  o[ 

C)A^    THE   DEATH    OE  MY  HUSBAND. 

I   In,  what  a  blank  !    A  sad  and  aching  \'oid  ! 

Yet  do   I  feel  a  sweetness,  everywhere, 
In  contemplation  of  the  past,  the  happy  years 
We  passed  together  :    he  a  partner  kind. 
My  staff,  my  armor-bearer  :    how  he  loved 
The  truths  held  dear  by  me  ;   how  paved  my  way 
For  the  fulfilment  of  some  work   required. 

Death  came,  not  unexpected.      Long  he  looked, 
And  waited  long   in  quietude  and  patience, 
Till  that  hour  when   the  final  call  should  come. 
The  voice  be  heard    -"  Come   to  the   marriage  feast." 
With  joy   he  hailed  the  messenger  ;  with   calm 
And  smiling  face  he  looked  upon  us  all — 
E\'en  in  agony,  was  much  conveyed 

(Though  power   to  speak  had  failed   him)  of  the   strength, 
Support  and  fortitude  with   which   he  bore 
The  wearing  out  of  that  which  mortal  was  ; 
His  trust  was   in  Jehovah.      To  his  care 
He  looked,  in   Him   reposed   all   faith   and   hope  ; 
On   Him   relied  to  bear  him   safely  through 
The  gates  of  death,  and   lift   his  soul  to  life. 
Fifth  Month   i5th,    1S5S. 


MY  DEPARTED    HUSBAND. 

^Vh  !  know'st  thou,   dear  departed,  how  I  fare; 

^^     Alone,  retired,  with  none  my  griefs  to  share  ? 
For,  by  my  side,  I   thee  no  more  behold, 
But  sad   and  lone,  my  weary  arms   I  fold. 


Mary  S.  Lippincott.  259 

No  mortal  knows,  or  can,  the  widow's  state; 
Left,  like  a  dove,  to  mourn  her  missing'  mate — 
Did  not   Kind   Proxidence  design   our  good. 
In  being  left  to  dwell   in    solitude? 
Did  I  not  view   it  so,  could   I   sustain 
The  load  of  grief  assigned,  and   not  complain  ? 
But,  as  it   is,  my  soul  contritely  g^ives 
To  God  the  glory,  and   his   lo\'e  receives. 

As  late  I   walked  beside  thy  narrow  grave, 

And  felt  that  all  was  gone  which  made  earth   dear  ; 

To  God,  alone,   I   looked,    m)-  soul   to  save, 

And  strengthen   me,  mv  weight  of  grief  to  bear. 

Third  IVIontli  271!),    1S59. 


APPENDIX. 


Extracts  fronn  the  "Scrap  Book"  of 
Mary  S.  Hallowell. 

A    Letter    from    Johx    Mott. 

Dcarlv  Beloved  Childreii  of  IVesttozoi  Family : — After  attending 
meeting  to-day  at  this  place,  in  which  we- were  once  more  favored 
with  the  ownings  of  Israel's  Shepherd,  I  felt  a  salutation  of  love  to 
you,  as  dear  children  of  the  family  of  our  Heavenly  Father,  whom  I 
love  in  the  Truth.  The  encouraging  language  which  arises  in  my 
mind  to  address  you  with  is,  "The  righteous  also  shall  hold  on  his 
way,  and  he  that  hath  clean  hands  shall  grow  stronger  and  stronger." 
Hold  on  your  way,  dear  children,  that  'cuay  which  many  of  you  have 
been  favored  to  see.  Although  it  is  a  way  of  self-denial  and  the  daily 
cross,  wherein  we  have  to  deny  ourselves  all  things  which  we  believe 
to  be  wrong,  yet  I  have  a  testimony  in  my  heart,  obtained  by  living 
experience,  that  it's  a  way  of  pleasantness,  a  path  of  substantial  peace. 
Hold  on  then,  in  this  blessed  way,  I  entreat  you,  as  a  father  that 
loves  you,  that  those  good  desires  which  many  of  you  feel  in  your 
minds  may  be  strengthened,  your  hands  being  washed  in  innocency 
from  the  defilements  and  spots  of  this  world's  spirit,  so  that  you  may 
acceptably  compass  the  altar  of  your  God. 

Accept  this  little  tribute  of  my  affectionate  regard,  and  be  sure, 
dear  children,  above  all  things  keep  in  remembrance  your  Creator,  in 
the  days  of  your  youth,  and  believe  me,  the  observance  of  this  counsel 
(which  I  trust  is  imparted  through  the  flowings  of  the  love  of  God)  is 
not  a  vain  thing  unto  you.      Farewell  1 

John  Mott. 


^62  Appendix. 


"Ancient    Memoranda." 
[Sources,  except  of  the  first,  not  given  by  M.  S    H.] 

r. 

"Be  it  remembered  that  on  the  12th  day  of  First  Month,  in  the 
year  1670,  in  the  dwelling-house  of  Thomas  Carnm,  of  Cammgill,  within 
the  County  of  Westmoreland,  was  present  Matthew  Jepson  of  Lan- 
caster, and  Rebecca  Camm,  of  the  aforesaid  Cammgill,  when  and 
where  the  said  Matthew  Jepson  did,  vohmtarily  and  publicly,  marry 
and  take  to  wife  the  said  Rebecca  Camm,  and  hereof  we  whose  names 
are  underwritten,  amongst  many  others  are  witnesses. 

Thomas  Camm,  John  Strong,  Thomas  Green,  and  sixteen  other 
Friends." 

A  true  ropy,  taken  by  H.  H.,  from  the  original,  which  was  on 
a  piece  of  paper  four  inches  broad,  and  six  inches  long,  in  the  pos- 
session of  M.  Jepson  of  Lancaster. 

IL 

"At  a  Monthly  Meeting  held  at  Falmouth,  this  second  of  Eleventh 
Month,  1673,  Friends  having  met  together  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord, 
found  all  things  well  and  in  order,  and  so  departed  in  love,  giving 
God  the  glory — who  is  blessed  forever. ' ' 

IIL 

"Twentieth  of  Ninth  Month,  16S8.  It  is  concluded  that  the 
Friends  appointed  in  every  Particular  Meeting,  shall  give  notice  pub- 
licly in  the  meeting,  that  cross-pockets  before  men's  coats,  side  slopes, 
broad  hems  on  cravats,  and  over  full  skirted  coats,  are  not  allowed 
by  Friends." 

IV. 

"Seventeenth  of  Ninth  Month,  1691.  It  being  discovered  that 
the  common  excess  of  smoking  Tobacco  is  inconsistent  with  our  holy 
profession,  this  meeting  adviseth  that  such  as  have  occasion  to  make 
use  of  it,  take  it  privately,  neither  in  their  labor  nor  employment,  nor 
by  the  highway,  nor  [at]  ale-houses,  nor  elsewhere,  too  publicly." 


Appendix.  263 

V. 

"First  of  Fifth  Month,  1693.  Minute  seventh  before  a  Query 
offered  to  the  Quarterly  Meeting,  concerning  Friends  making,  order- 
ing, or  seUing  striped  cloths,  silks  or  stuffs,  or  any  sort  of  flowered, 
figured  things  of  different  coulars  ;  it  is  the  judgement  of  the  Quarterly 
Meeting  that  Friends  ought  to  stand  clear  of  such  things." 


Some    Ar<'ou\T   of   the   Conversion   of    a    Deist. 


BY     lACOK    GRF.AVES. 


On  my  way  home  from  Baltimore  Yearly  Meeting,  I  fell  in 
company  with  Jacob  Hocket,  from  Wabash,  Indiana.  In  the  course 
of  conversation  he  gave  me  the  following  account  of  a  man  that  had 
been  a  confirmed  deist,  many  years.  One  morning  he  said,  "  I  am 
sixty  years  old  to-day  ;  I  will  go  to  Quaker  Meeting  !  "  He  accord- 
ingly went  to  one  which  Priscilla  Hunt  attended.  After  the  meeting 
was  gathered  and  still,  she  arose  and  spoke  thus  :  "  I  am  sixty  years 
old  to-day.  I  will  go  to  Quaker  Meeting."  These  words  I  believe 
were  spoken  this  morning  by  one  that  is  present,  whose  mind  is  in 
a  dreadful  situation.  I  know  not  who  it  is.  She  then  described  his 
condition,  and  said  that  as  arguments  would  arise  in  his  mind  she 
would  confute  them  as  pointedly  as  if  she  heard  him  speak  them  (to 
which  he  since  owns),  till  he  was  entirely  disarmed  of  them  all.  She 
then  sat  down,  but  in  a  few  moments  rose  again,  and  asserted  that 
she  had  gained  her  point  ;  that  he  was  divested  of  his  false  argu- 
ments ;  and  unless  he  should  again  solicit  the  revival  of  them,  he 
might  li\e  in  that  way  which  would  lead  to  peace  and  salvation. 

On  the  next  meeting  day  he  attended  again,  when  Priscilla 
kneeled  in  supplication  ;  he  also  kneeled,  which  very  much  astonished 
those  present. 

After  meeting  he  made  known  the  state  of  his  mind,  and  soon 
after  requested  to  be  received  into  membership  with  Friends,  since 
which  time  he  has  lived  the  life  of  a  steady,  sober,  religious  Friend — 
that  is  to  say  for  two  years. 


264  Appendix. 


m  ISCELLAHEDUS    PAPERS. 

A  Journey    to   Ohio. 

Eighth  Month  24th,  1854. — We  left  home  about  eight  o'clock, 
A.  M.,  met  our  friends  in  Philadelphia,  took  lunch,  and  before  one  P. 
M.,  were  on  the  "  lightning  train,"  bound  for  Wheeling,  via  Baltimore. 
In  fifty-two  minutes  we  were  in  Wilmington,  and  in  time  proportionate 
at  Havre  de  Grace.  The  weather  being  warm,  and  the  road  dusty, 
the  change  from  car  to  boat,  though  for  a  short  time,  was  delightful. 
The  cool  and  gentle  breeze  from  the  water  was  exhilarating,  and  the 
undulating  motion  of  the  boat  caused  the  sunbeams  to  play  prettily  on 
the  surface.  The  prospect  on  either  side  of  the  river  was  pleasing, 
and  the  country  through  which  we  passed,  though  somewhat  dry, 
indicated  for  the  most  part  a  favorable  season,  thus  presenting  a  scene 
cheering  to  the  eye  of  the  beholder,  and  gladdening  to  the  heart  of 
the  industrious  husbandman.  Nature  seemed  to  smile  as  we  viewed 
her  in  her  varied  aspects. 

Evidences  of  man's  ingenuity  and  perseverance  are  presented, 
travel  where  we  may.  Evidences,  too,  that  if  he  will  not  be  provident 
and  labor  for  his  sustenance,  he  must  pay  the  penalty  for  his  negli- 
gence, by  suffering  from  want  and  misery. 

We  arrived  in  Baltimore  about  five  o'clock.  We  took  supper 
at  a  tavern,  where  we  were  supplied  by  a  girl  in  her  teens,  who  also 
took  the  place  of  bar-tender,  and  handed  out  the  poisonous  cup  to 
the  sterner  sex.  Poor  girl  !  It  grieved  us  to  see  one  who,  under 
right  tuition,  might  rise  to  eminence,  or  at  least  move  in  a  sphere 
more  creditable  to  her  womanhood,  exposed  to  such  degradation. 
But  she  was  probably  under  the  influence  of  parents  whose  lives 
reflect  dishonor  upon  themselves,  and  bring  misery  upon  their  help- 
less offspring.  We  left  her  with  a  sigh,  and  again  pursued  our  jour- 
ney. Wc  were  comfortably  accommodated  in  the  ladies'  saloon-car, 
and  our  only  companion  in  the  apartment  was  a  lone  woman  bound 
for  St.  Louis. 

The  evening  was  fine,  and  our  spirits  were  buoyant  enough  to 
enjoy  the  prospect  so  far  as  it  should  be  visible  after  night-fall.  We 
passed  swiftly  along  from  place  to  place,  observing  with  interest  the 


Appendix.  265 

exhibition  of  the  tVeals;.s  of  nature  and  the  ingenuity  of  man.  As  the 
shades  of  night  gathered  around  us,  the  prospect  ahead,  and  the 
danger  attendant  upon  midnight  travel  by  railroad,  through  a  moun- 
tainous region,  caused  serious  reflections  ;  but  with  me  all  fears  were 
hushed  by  the  remembrance  of  the  recommendation  to  trust  in  the 
care  of  Providence. 

"  The  Lord  my  pasture  shall  prepare, 

And  lead  me  with  a  Shepherd's  care  ; 
His  presence  shall  my  wants  supply, 

And  guard  me  v\ith  a  watchful  eye. 
My  noonday  walks  He  shall  attend 

And  all  my  midnight  hours  defend  " 

We  ascended  the  eastern  slope  of  the  Blue  Mountains  by  a  zig- 
zag course,  and  on  our  way  met  a  long  train  of  cars  loaded  with 
stone,  passing  rapidly  by  us,  while  our  locomotive  seemed  to  be  jerk- 
ing, and  frequently  stopping  and  starting.  We  observed  that  great 
precaution  against  accidents  was  taken,  by  way  of  lighting  the  track, 
watching  the  rails,  testing  the  wheels  of  the  cars,  &c.  In  the  tunnels, 
and  at  many  of  the  curves,  were  stationary  lamps  of  great  brilliancy. 
The  latter  enabled  us  to  see  portions  of  the  country  through  which 
we  were  wending  our  way.  People  work  early  and  late,  indoors  and 
outdoors,  each  at  his  calling.  At  a  late  hour  we  saw  a  man  plying 
his  needle,  perhaps  to  fulfill  a  promise  and  thus  be  true  to  his  word, 
or  possibly  to  provide  for  his  wife  and  hopeful  progeny  the  necessaries 
of  life.  It  was  near  one  A.  M.  when  we  neared  Martinsburg,  and 
heard  the  ringing  of  bells,  the  sound  of  music,  and  the  voices  of  the 
multitude.  The  colored  people,  male  and  female,  were  hilarious  as 
they  "  toated  "  their  refreshments  from  car  to  car  and  offered  them  to 
the  sleepy  passengers.  I  told  J.  A.  that  many  slaves  were  here,  and 
repeated,  in  a  loud  whisper,  some  lines  from  my  favorite  Cowper  : 

"  I  would  not  have  a  slave  to  till  my  ground. 
To  carry  me,  to  fan  me  while  I  sleep, 
And  tremble  when  I  wake,  for  all  the  wealth 
That  sinews  bought  and  sold  have  ever  earned." 

Perhaps  this  quotation,  or  else  the  supposition  that  we  were 
"Quakers,"  drew  around  us  our  colored  friends,  from  those  of 
sombre  shade  to  some  who  were  almost  white.  One  bright  youth 
especially  attracted  me,  for  T   thought  that  it  only  needed  the  skilful 

IS 


26o  Appendix. 

artist  to  bring'  a  choice  piece  of  sculpture  out  of  that  stone — a  man  of 
eminence  might  be  evolved  from  this  boy  of  mirth. 

As  our  train  sped  away,  we  enjoyed  looking  at  the  firmament, 
for  the  clear  atmosphere  enabled  us  to  tee  the  stars  in  all  their  bril- 
liancy. Before  reaching  the  Alleghenies  the  day  dawned  upon  us, 
and  as  we  ascended  them  the  sun  arose  in  all  his  brightness.  Our 
way  lay  up  giddy  heights,  while  on  one  side  of  us  were  fearful  preci- 
pices and  on  the  other  huge  rocks  or  high  lands  with  tall  forest  trees 
rising  one  above  another.  We  looked  down  on  the  tops  of  tall 
trees,  and  yet  were  far  beneath  the  roots  of  those  on  the  other  hand. 
Though  dangerous  to  appearance,  yet  safe  was  our  journey,  and  very 
extensive  the  grand  panorama  spread  out  before  us. 

At  Oakland,  a  neat  little  village  near  the  summit  of  the  moun- 
tain, we  had  a  comfortable  breakfast,  and  were  allowed  sufficient  time 
to  take  it  without  any  haste. 

We  passed  through  several  tunnels,  one  of  which  was  3,400  feet 
long.  The  darkness,  though  relieved  by  many  lights.,  the  coolness  of 
the  air,  and  the  reverberated  sound  of  bell  and  the  different  noises 
made  by  the  train,  produced  a  feeling  of  solemnity  which  must  be 
experieyiced  before  it  can  be  appreciated.  It  is  exalting  in  its  char- 
acter, and  it  leads — as  mighty  works  of  nature,  and  wondrous  feats 
of  art  always  do  lead — to  an  adoration  of  the  First  Cause  of  all. 

In  Western  Virginia  we  began  to  see  evidences  of  a  parching 
drought,  and  the  lively  green  of  summer  was  changed  to  the  dull 
yellow  of  autumn.  There  was  a  gentle  breeze,  and  though  clear 
above  us,  fog  and  floating  white  clouds  were  on  the  mountain  side 
beneath. 

About  one  p.  i\i.  we  reached  Wheeling,  a  place  of  considerable 
business,  and  enveloped  in  a  cloud  of  smoke.  Near  the  city  are  iron 
foundries,  from  the  huge  chimneys  of  which  issues  smoke  ;  and  as  the 
coal  used  is  bituminous  the  smoke  is  very  dark-colored,  thick  and 
oppressive.  After  an  attempt  to  get  rid  of  the  coal  dust,  we  left 
Wheeling  in  a  vehicle  called  a  hack,  the  manager  of  which  rode  on 
horseback,  leaving  Isaac  to  take  the  reins.  We  wound  around  the 
highlands  on  a  plank  road,  on  the  verge,  in  many  places,  of  precipices. 
We  crossed  the  Ohio,  and  then  went  by  a  road  so  curving  at  one 
place,  as  nearly  to  form  an  O.  A  journey  of  five  miles  brought  us  to 
the  home  of  Friend  W.,  where  we  were  cordially  welcomed.  The 
house  is  so  elevated  as  to  command  an  extensive  prospect  of  hill  and 


Appendix.  207 

valley,  timber-land  and  cleared  farms.  It  is  a  fine  agricultural  country, 
and  many  of  the  farms  do  credit  to  their  owners.  Next  morning  we 
left  this  comfortable  and  hospitable  abode,  and  were  taken  by  I.  W. 
six  miles  to  meeting  at  Mount  Pleasant.  After  meeting  went  to  Samuel 
Griffith's,  which  is  to  be  our  home  during  the  time  of  the  Yearly  Meet- 
ing. 

Our  hearts  were  saddened  by  the  sight  of  the  withering  effects 
of  the  long  continued  drought.  The  ears  of  corn  are  shriveled,  and 
the  fields  of  withered  pasture  are  brown  and  dusty.  Flowers  in  door- 
yards  are  withered  and  fiiding  in  early  bloom.  The  water  supply  is 
insufficient  to  satisfy  the  thirst  of  the  cattle,  which  is  increased  by  the 
prevalence  of  dust.  There  arc  many  cases  of  dysentery  in  the  diiferent 
neighborhoods,  and  some  Friends  have  been  deterred  from  coming 
to  Yearly  Meeting  on  account  of  its  reported  prevalence.  We  have 
not  found  serious  indisposition  anywhere,  and  we  ourselves,  have 
been  favored  to  keep  remarkably  Avell,  notwithstanding  the  heat  and 
drought. 

Almost  daily,  gathering  clouds  were  seen,  but  they  would  dis- 
perse before  evening,  and  afford  brilliant  sunsets.  So  it  continued 
during  the  week — hot,  dry,  and  very  dusty.  The  dependent  farmer 
has  to  wait,  not  being  able  to  comniand  the  clouds  to  distill  the  rain 
or  to  descend  in  gentle  and  refreshing  dew. 

On  Third-day  we  dined  at  the  home  of  E.  Griffith,  Samuel's 
mother.  Her  grandfather  was  a  brother  to  John  Woolman.  On 
Fourth-day  we  were  at  Aaron  Packer's,  and  on  Fifth-day,  at  the 
close  of  the  meeting,  we  went  to  Ann  Packer's.  Twenty- five  Friends 
supped,  lodged  and  breakfasted  there. 

Next  morning  started  on  our  way  to  Salem.  Stopped  at  Reason 
Baker's  to  dine.  There  is  the  same  general  aspect  of  drought,  but  it 
is  relieved  by  strips  of  country  that  have  been  visited  by  refreshing 
showers.  Before  night-fall  we  arrived  at  Harlem  Springs,  where  we 
passed  the  night  at  a  comfortable  hotel.  It  is  a  place  of  summer  resort. 
Met  a  number  of  Friends  going  t(j  their  Yearly  Meeting,  of  the  other 
branch.  Eleven  of  them,  and  the  same  number  of  us,  passed  the 
evening  together  very  pleasantly.  From  the  Springs  we  journeyed 
on,  via  Mechanicstown,  <S:c.,  toward  Salem.  The  drought,  or  the 
evidences  of  it,  more  distressing  than  any  that  we  have  heretofore 
seen.  Cattle,  sheep  and  swine  look  hungry,  thirsty  and  hot ;  the 
trees    have   been   stripped    of  their   boughs,    as   far    up   as   the    cattle 


268  Appendix. 

could  reach,  and  many  large  forest  trees  are  about  to  die  for  want 
of  nutriment  from  the  soil. 

Our  axle-tree  broke,  but  we  were  kindly  aided  in  getting  it 
repaired  ;  and  while  we  were  waiting  in  the  barn,  the  wife  of  the 
carpenter  who  lived  at  the  place,  and  who  had  rendered  such  timely 
aid,  came  out  and  invited  us  to  dinner.  She  would  take  no  denial, 
so  we  went  in,  and  were  made  very  welcome.  Their  home  had  the 
appearance  of  comfort  and  plenty. 

We  went  on  to  William  Reader's  (in  Samuel  McLain's  carriage) 
and  arrived  there  before  night,  fatigued,  warm  and  dusty.  W^illiam 
and  his  wife  Lydia,  hav^e  an  interesting  family  of  children.  Next 
morning  attended  Sandy  Spring  Meeting,  and  went  to  David  Batton's 
to  dine,  and  went  thence  over  a  very  hilly  road  to  Salem.  The 
gardens  are  parched,  and  water  is  too  scarce  to  admit  of  its  being 
taken  to  irrigate  them.  Salem  is  a  pretty  place,  even  in  this  dry 
season.  We  stopped  with  Samuel  and  Fanny  Trip,  and  next  day 
rode  out  in  a  buggy  to  Samuel  French's.  After  visiting  at  S.  Hunt's 
and  calling  on  some  other  Friends,  we  left  for  home. 


MooRESTowN    Boarding    School. 

This  institution  was  so  closely  associated  with  the  life  of  our 
subject,  that  it  seems  worthy  of  a  passing  note. 

It  was  established  by  Isaac  and  Mary  S.  Lippincott,  and  was 
opened  for  the  reception  of  pupils  in  the  spring  of  1842. 

When  Isaac  purchased  the  property  there  was  an  old  stone 
dwelling-house  on  it,  that  had  stood  at  the  time  of  the  Revolution. 
To  this  he  built  an  addition  before  the  opening  of  the  school,  and 
some  years  later  another,  both  of  which  were  of  frame.  The  building, 
composed  of  these  three  parts,  stood  until  after  the  property  had  been 
sold  by  M.  S.  L. ,  at  whose  request  the  new  owner  called  it  ' '  Rosa- 
mond." After  the  removal  of  a  part  of  the  building,  and  alterations 
in  the  remaining  parts,  it  was  fitted  up  for  a  summer  boarding-house, 
under  the  name  of  "  Rosamond  Inn."  It  was  thus  used  for  several 
seasons,  but  latterly  it  has  remained  closed  all  the  year. 

The  Boarding  School  was  continued  from  1842  to  1879,  and  the 
Day  school  one  year  longer,  the  latter  being  abandoned  in  Sixth 
Month,  iSSo. 


Appendix,  269 

or  the  teachers  Ellen  Thomas  had  the  longest  term,  having 
taught  in  the  school  from  1848  to  1880 — thirty-two  years;  Rebecca 
W.  Oakford  taught  thirteen  years  ;  Mary  Emma  Satterthwaite,  ten 
years  ;  Susan  Roberts,  nine  years  ;  Abigail  Woolman,  five  years ;  and 
Edith  Newlin,  Susan  M.  Chalfonte  and  several  others  were  teachers 
there  for  short  periods. 

The  largest  number  of  pupils  at  any  time  was  ninety,  and  the 
average  for  many  years  was  from  seventy  to  eighty. 

The  health  of  the  pupils  was  generally  very  good,  but  in  cases 
of  illness.  Dr.  Woolman,  while  he  continued  to  practice,  and  after 
his  retiring,  the  two  Drs.  Stokes  were  the  attending  physicians.  The 
professional  services  of  these  were  very  satisfactory  to  the  Principal 
of  the  School,  who  felt  the  weight  of  her  responsibility  in  caring  for 
the  sick,  when  they  were  far  away  from  home  and  parents. 

Daniel  P.  Lippincott,  Isaac's  only  son  who  lived  to  the  age  of 
manhood,  died  some  years  before  his  father,  so  that  at  the  time  of 
Isaac's  death,  the  one  to  take  his  place  in  business  matters,  and  in 
the  charge  of  the  family,  was  his  oldest  grandson,  Isaac  L.  Woolman. 
He  came  to  live  with  Mary  and  her  daughters,  and  took  the  place 
of  a  son  and  a  brother.  He  transacted  the  business,  took  charge  of 
the  farm,  and  proved  himself  a  devoted  caretaker.  About  five  years 
he  occupied  this  position,  and  to  the  end  of  her  life,  Mary  looked  to 
him  for  advice  and  assistance,  as  she  would  have  done  to  her  own 
child.  She  appreciated  his  business  ability,  and  felt  grateful  for  his 
kindness  to  herself  and  daughters. 

Daniel  P.  Lippincott,  Jr.,  after  he  was  fifteen  years  old,  was  also 
a  member  of  the  family,  and  though  much  of  his  time  was  passed  at 
boarding  schools,  yet  grandmother's  house  was  his  home. 

Among  the  pupils  were  .found  quite  a  number  of  the  second, 
and  possibly,  of  the  third  generation.  It  would  be  interesting  to 
hear  mother  and  daughter  comparing  experience  of  the  happy  days 
passed  at  the  Moorestown  home,  and  of  the  many  pleasant  memories 
associated  with  the  place.  But  whatever  changes  time  had  made, 
however  different  might  be  the  surroundings,  there  was  one  point 
that  remained  fixed,  one  condition  that  did  not  change,  and  that  was 
the  never-failing  kindness  of  "Aunt  Mary."  In  all  her  writings,  with 
the  frequent  allusion  to  school  and  to  family,  she  does  not  once,  in  all 
those  thirty-eight  years,  speak  of  having  an  undesirable  pupil  or 
teacher  in   the  institution.       Is    not  this  strong  negative  testimony. 


270  Appendix. 

confirmed  by  much,  \'ci"y  much,  that  is  positive,  to  prove  her  fitness 
for  being-  at  the  head  of  a  boarding-school?  It  is  probable  that  not  a 
few  of  her  pupils  bade  her  farewell  with  subdued  emotion,  and  with 
the  good  resolution  which  they  carried  out,  and  of  which  they  are 
now  receiving  the  benefit. 

"  We  will  treasure  up  thy  precepts, 
They  may  be,  in  future  years, 
Balm  to  soothe  our  saddened  spirits. 
Strength  to  banish  doubts  and  fears." 

Brief  Reminiscences. 
One  winter  some  cases  of  varioloid  having  occurred  in  the  large 
family  of  Mary  S.  Lippincott,  it  caused  a  suspension  of  intercourse 
with  the  neighbors.  After  several  weeks  of  this  isolation,  two  of  her 
friends  (they  were  elderly  men,  and  probably  had  been  inoculated  in 
the  old-fashioned  way),  who  had  no  fear  of  the  contagion,  came  to 
make  her  a  visit.  Great  indeed  was  her  surprise,  and  no  less  her 
gratification,  on  meeting  these  valued  friends,  who  had  come  so  far  to 
see  her  and  to  encourage  her.  They  dined,  and  remained  several 
hours  in  the  house,  and  when  they  bade  her  farewell,  she  said,  in  the 
fullness  of  her  heart,  /  iicnv  fed  as  if  I  could  stand  a  fast  of  forty 
days.  The  friends  were  Samuel  Willits  of  New  York  city,  and  Samuel 
J.  Underbill,  of  Jericho,  L.  I. 

A  visitor  gives  the  following  : — It  was  my  jirivilege,  at  different 
times,  to  be  a  guest  at  the  Moorestown  home  of  Mary  S.  Lippincott, 
and  hence  to  know  what  it  was  to  receive  her  cordial  welcome  and  to 
enjoy  her  hospitality.  It  seemed  to  be  one,  among  the  many,  of  her 
gifts,  to  lead  the  conversation  from  that  which  was  cheerful  and  even 
sprightly,  to  themes  of  graver  import,  and  thus  to  introduce  the 
serious  and  all-important  subject  of  religion  without  any  seeming- 
violation  of  the  social  courtesies,  or  of  that  deep  sense  of  reverence 
which  she  was  so  careful  to  ])reserve  in  herself  and  to  cherish  in  those 
who  were  under  her  care. 

Once  when  I  was  there,  at  sunset,  she  called  attention  to  the 
brilliancy  of  the  Western  sky,  and  then  quoted  from  her  favorite  poet, 
Cowper  : 

"Scenes  must  be  beautiful  whicli  daily  viewed 
Please  daily,  and  whose  novelty  survives 
bong  knowledge  and  the  scrutiny  of  >ears  ; 
rVaise  justly  due  to  those  which  I  describe." 


Hppendix.  271 

When  the  hour  for  retiring  came,  the  guests  were  invited  to  ac- 
company her  into  the  large  school-room,  and  to  attend  the  evening 
collection.  One  of  these  occasions  is  vi\idly  remembered  after  the 
lapse  of  nearly  thirty- five  years.  It  was  on  a  Seventh-day  evening, 
and  the  social  mingling  in  the  parlor  had  been  not  only  pleasant,  but 
unusually  spriglitly.  At  the  appointed  time  we  repaired  to  the  school- 
room, and  after  we  had  taken  our  seats  there  was  a  solemn  pause  of 
suitable  length  for  all  to  feel  the  weightiness  of  the  occasion.  Then, 
Mary  opened  the  large  Family  Bible,  and  read  the  fortieth  chapter  of 
Isaiah  with  such  reverence  and  such  pathos  as  seemed  to  give  an 
unction  to  the  words  as  they  flowed  from  her  lips.  The  dignity  of 
her  presence,  the  gravity  of  her  manner,  and  the  benignity  of  her 
countenance  could  scarcely  have  failed  to  have  a  solemnizing  effect 
upon  the  pupils,  whose  solid  deportment  was  their  silent  response  to 
the  reading,  and  the  seal  of  their  appreciation  of  the  deference  due 
to  the  Hook. 

Once,  when  attending  a  \'early  Meeting  of  Ministers  and  Elders, 
our  triend  expressed  a  concern  for  these  members,  as  they  are  looked 
upon  as  the  heads  of  their  meetings.  The  concern  had  reference  to 
the  example  which  they  should  set  ol  z>.<eightiiiess  of  manner  and  of 
appearance  in  our  religious  meetings. 

She  referred  to  the  Scriptural  account  of  the  Queen  of  Sheba, 
who  in  her  admiration  of  the  beautiful  order  in  Solomon's  household, 
did  not  fail  to  notice  the  sitting  of  his  servants. 

A  young  minister  who  was  present  on  the  occasion,  was  much 
impressed  with  her  concern,  and  with  the  effect  of  it  upon  the  meet- 
ing. It  is  to  this  (then)  voung  man,  that  we  are  indebted  for  the 
account  of  that  exercise. 


Ax   Appointed    Meeting   at   Millville,    New  Jersey. 

[The  Friend  who  was  present,  and  who  gives  the  account  of  this 
meeting,  does  not  remember  the  year.] 

Our  dear  friend,  Mary  S.  Lippincott,  had  an  evening  meeting 
appointed  at  her  request,  in  the  Presbyterian  place  of  worship  at  Mill- 
ville, New  Jersey. 

The  assembly  was  large,  and  was  made  up  almost  entirely  ol 
those    who    were    but    little    acquainted    with    Friends   or  with    their 


272  Appendix. 

principles.  She  seemed  to  be  wonderfully  strengthened  by  Divine 
power  to  explain  some  of  the  main  doctrines  that  we  as  a  Society 
own.  She  dwelt  largely  on  the  light  within,  or  the  power  o(  God 
unto  salvation,  by  and  through  Jesus  Christ,  our  Lord,  establishing 
the  Sonship  between  God  the  Father  and  his  children,  by  and  through 
the  living  Christ,'  which  would  ever  lead  away  from  the  perishing 
things  of  this  lower  world,  up  to  the  things  that  pertain  to  a  higher 
life.  She  also  called  all,  in  a  powerful  and  feeling  manner,  to  let  go  of 
the  idea  that  man  could  save  his  brother,  or  give  to  God  a  ransom  for 
his  soul.  She  felt  that,  with  some  that  were  present,  there  was  too 
much  of  a  dependence  upon  man,  instead  of  looking  up  to  a  Higher 
Power. 

It  was  a  favored  opportunity,  and  we  seemed  to  be  dipped  into 
fellowship  and  love  together,  under  the  power  of  Christ,  through  this 
dedicated  servant. 

Two  men,  both  of  whom  were  ministers,  came  to  Mary  after  the 
close  of  the  meeting,  and  told  her  that  they  had  come  there  partly 
out  of  curiosity  to  hear  a  woman  preach  ;  but  that  they  had  been  both 
instructed  and  edified,  for  her  explanation  of  the  light  within,  or  the 
power  of  God  unto  salvation,  was  the  most  satisfactory  they  had  ever 
heard. 


First-day    Schools. 

At  one  of  the  last  meetings  (perhaps  the  last)  of  the  Repre- 
sentative Committee  of  Philadelphia  Yearly  Meeting,  that  Mary  S. 
Lippincott  ever  attended,  she  was  much  exercised  on  the  subject  of 
First-day  schools.  Notwithstanding  the  interest  that  she  had  formerly 
taken  in  this  work,  she  seemed  now  to  have  grave  apprehensions  lest 
these  schools  might  absorb  the  interest  which  should  be  felt  in  our 
religious'  meetings  ;  adding  emphatically.  If  it  is  so,  do  let  the  First- 
day  schools  go.  She  impressed  upon  the  members  of  the  committee 
the  importance  of  the  matter,  and  wished  them  to  take  it  home  with 
them,  and  to  consider  it  weightily. 

She  expressed  the  same  apprehension  to  a  Friend  who  visited 
her  a  few  weeks  before  her  death,  and  found  her  exercised  on  account 
of  the  state  of  the  Societv. 


Appendix.  273 

From    Her    Physician. 

My  first  acquaintance  with  Mary  S.  Lippincott  was  soon  after 
lier  removal  to  Camden,  in  the  year  1881.  From  this  date  until  the 
end  of  her  life,  I  was  often  called  to  see  her  professionally,  and  I 
came  to  regard  her  as  an  interesting  and  somewhat  remarkable  char- 
acter. The  unclouded  intellect  at  her  time  of  life,  the  interest  mani- 
fested in  current  events,  the  patience  in  suffering,  and  the  deep,  re- 
ligious trust,  all  combined  to  render  her  a  good  e.xample  of  one 
green  in  old  age. 

The  last  time  that  I  saw  her  was  only  about  half  an  hour  before 
her  close.  Even  at  that  late  period  her  mind  was  clear,  still  showing 
that  remarkable  force  of  character  and  Christian  faith  so  characteristic 
of  her  long  and  well-spent  life. 

Alex.\nder  M.  Mecray,  M.  D. 


The  Schumacher  or  Shoemaker  Family. 


The  earliest  inlonnation  we  ha\e  of  the  Shoemaker  family,  is 
that  obtained  from  "  Besse's  Sufferings  of  Friends. "  From  this  it 
appears,  that  in  the  year  1657,  William  Ames  and  George  Rolfe, 
English  Friends,  visited  Kreisheim,  now  Kriegsheim,  a  small  village 
situated  on  the  right  bank  of  the  Rhine,  in  the  Palatinate,  whose 
inhabitants  were  mostly  farmers.  Among  these  simple-minded  peo- 
ple, these  Ministers  made  many  con\'erts  to  their  faith,  who  soon 
began  to  suffer  ])ersecution.  In  1663  a  fine  of  five  shillings  was  im- 
posed on  each  person,  every  time  they  assembled  for  worship  ;  to 
collect  it,  their  cattle  and  household  goods  were  seized,  and  sold, 
they  declining  voluntarily  to  pay  the  same.  Among  those  whose 
names  appear  the  oftenest  are,  George  and  Peter  Schumacher.  A 
few  years  ago  Professor  Seidensticker,  of  Philadelphia,  hoping  to  get 
earlier  data  of  them,  \isited  Kriegsheim,  but  learned  that  a  fire,  in 
1S48,  had  destroyed  the  church  records,  so  that  nothing  further  could 
be  obtained. 

In  1680,  William  Penn  learned  of  the  ])ersecutions  they  were 
undergoing,  and  \  isited  them,  inviting  them  to  join  him  in  the  Prov- 
ince he  was  then  founding,  now  the  great  State  of  Pennsylvania. 
This  they  gladly  acce])ted,  and  it  letl  to  the  formation  of  the  Frank- 
ford  Company,  who  secured  5,350  acres,  about  six  miles  north  of 
Philadelphia.  On  this  spot  they  located.  The  first  to  arrive  came 
in  16S3;  among  them  was  Jacob  Schumacher.  There  is  no  way  now 
of  knowing  positively,  but  most  likely  he  was  a  brother  of  George 
and  Peter,  and  being  single,  apparently,  he  probably  acted  as  a 
])ioneer,  to  report  the  kind  of  place  it  was. 

The  ground  on  which  the  Friends'  Meeting  House  stands,  Ger- 
mantown  A\e.  and  Coulter  St.,  was  given  by  him  for  the  purpose. 
We  find  the  following  in  the  Borough  and  Court  Records  of  Ger- 
mantown  :  "  1692,  the  29th  day  of  9th  Month.  John  Silans  (upon 
Jacob  Schumacher's  complaint)  promised  Vjefore  this  Court  to  finish 
the  said  Jacob  Schumacher's  barn  within  four  weeks  next  coming." 


Appendix.  275 

How  primitive  this  now  appears  tcj  us  ;  there  were  no  fines  or  penal- 
ties attached  for  nonfulfilhnent,  but  simply  the  delinquent's  promise 
exacted.  The  late  Joseph  S.  Paxson  was  much  interested  in  his 
Shoemaker  genealogy,  which  he  worked  back  to  Jacob  and  Mar- 
garet, but  could  not  discover  satisfactorily  who  Jacob  was.  After 
investigation,  I  became  convinced,  and  I  think  he  did  too,  that  it 
was  this  Jacob,  who  removed  in  1714-15  trom  Abington  to  Phila- 
delphia (Germantown  Meeting  Records  were  kept  at  Abington  at 
this  timej,  with  his  wife,  two  sons,  and  daughter  Susannah.  His  wife 
was  Margaret  Go\e,  but  the  date  of  their  marriage  is  not  known. 

Jacob's  Will  is  dated  9  Mo.  22nd,  1722,  by  which  he  leaves  to 
his  son-in-law,  John  Breintwall  (no  doubt  Susannah's  husband)  ii\v 
shillings  ;  to  his  wife  Margaret  the  remainder,  to  be  di\  ided  at  her 
death  between  his  three  sons,  George,  Thomas  and  Jacob.  Jacob 
married  Elizal)etli  Roberts,  and  had  three  sons — Thomas,  and  l)a\id 
and  Jonathan,  twins.  PVom  Jonathan,  who  married  Sarah  Lownes, 
comes  what    I    may  term   the   Paxson-Hathway-Pickering  line. 

Jacob's  report  to  those  of  his  kin  must  luue  been  favorable,  as 
the  following  shows:  "The  Francis  cS:  Dorothy  from  London,  Rich- 
ard Bridgeman,  Commander,  arrived  in  Phila.  10  Mo.  12th,  1685. 
Among  the  passengers  were  Peter  Schumacher  and  Peter  his  sonn, 
Sarah  his  Cosen,  and  Frances  and  Gertrude  his  daughters."  Peter 
seems  to  have  taken  an  active  part  in  the  affairs  of  the  new  town, 
as  his  name  is  mentioned  in  \'arious  capacities.  In  the  Records  oi 
Abington  Meeting,  appears  the  marriage  of  Peter,  Jr.,  to  Margaret 
Op  den  Graeff,  daughter  of  Herman  Op  den  Graeff,  2nd  Mo.  6th, 
1697.     The  two  fathers  are  among  the  witnesses. 

Peter,  Jr.,  and  Margaret  Shoemaker  had  ten  children,  and  no 
doubt  there  are  numerous  descendants,  but  I  have  never  come 
across  them.  Elwood  Michener,  of  Toughkenamon,  Pa.,  has  a  gene- 
alogical tree  of  their  descendants,  prepared  by  his  lather,  the  late 
Dr.  Ezra  Michener. 

The  next  of  the  family  to  come,  are  of  more  interest  to  us,  as 
from  them  the  most  of  those  bearing  the  name  are  descended.  They 
were  George,  Sarah  his  wife,  and  their  seven  children  ;  George,  Jr., 
23  years  of  age  ;  Barbary,  20  ;  Abraham,  19  ;  Isaac,  17  ;  Susanna, 
13  ;  Elizabeth,  11,  and  Benjamin,  10.  They  sailed  in  the  .ship  Jefter- 
ies,  Thomas  Arnold,  Master,  from  London,  landing  at  Chester  3  Mo. 


276  Hpperidix. 

20th,  1686.*  They  did  not,  however,  all  reach  here,  as  the  father 
died  at  sea,  of  small-pox  ;  but  the  widow  and  her  children  came  on 
to  what  their  English  neighbors  then  called  the  German  Town.  Of 
their  early  struggles  we  have  no  account,  but  they  were,  no  doubt, 
severe.  The  first  of  the  children  to  enter  matrimony  was  Isaac,  who 
married  Sarah,  daughter  of  Gerhard  Hendricks,  a  prominent  Friend, 
and  one  of  the  signers  of  the  first  Protest  against  Slavery,  as  will 
appear  later.  Hendricks  had  drawn  lot  No.  8  in  the  Pastorius  di- 
vision of  the  town,  which  extended  from  the  Main  St.  to  the  Bristol 
Township  Line.  His  house  he  built  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  from 
the  Main  St.,  on  the  Wingohocking  Creek,  the  Lane  leading  back 
being  known  until  the  last  few  years  as  Shoemakers'  Lane,  and  of 
course  now  being  built  up.  The  house  stood  until  torn  down  in  1840 
(by  a  person  named  Mehl),  and  from  its  passing  to  Isaac,  through  his 
wife,  became  known  as  Shoemakers'  house  ;  see  its  picture  in  Wat- 
son's Annals.  On  a  large  rock,  forming  a  cliff,  close  to  the  house, 
William  Penn  preached  to  the  people  assembled  below  in  the  meadow. 
On  the  Rock  itself  a  house  still  stands,  known  as  the  "  Rock  House," 
and  probably  used  originally  for  tenants  or  work  people. 

The  old  Hendricks'  Bible  is  now  in  the  possession  of  the  widow 
of  Samuel  M.  Shoemaker,  of  Baltimore.  It  was  printed  in  Zurich, 
A.  D.  1538,  by  C.  Fronschover,  and  has  a  number  of  Shoemaker 
records  in  it.  Isaac  was  a  tanner  by  profession,  his  yard  being  located 
on  the  Main  St.  above  Shoemakers'  Lane,  about  where  Harkinson's 
stores  now  stand.  On  the  north  corner  of  the  Lane  and  Main  St.,  he 
built,  somewhere  about  1725,  a  long  two-story  house  of  stone.  After 
the  manner  of  the  old  country,  its  main  entrance  was  from  the  rear, 
but  a  doorway  from  the  Main  St.  gave  the  appearance  of  a  three-story 
dwelling.  After  the  battle  of  Germantown,  the  British  used  it  as  a 
hospital,  under  the  charge  of  Dr.  Moore,  whose  patients  filled  every 
room.  It  remained  in  the  family  until  purchased  by  the  late  George 
G.  Thompson,  who  tore  it  down  in  1843,  and  erected  on  its  site  Cot- 
tage Row. 

Benjamin,  a  son  of  Isaac  and  Sarah,  was  invited  to  a  seat  in  the 
Provincial  Assembly,  at  the  same  time  as  James  Hamilton  ;  after  con- 
sidering two  months,  he  determined  to  accept,  and  was  qualified 
2  Mo.  4th,  1745-6.     He  was  mayor  of  Phila.  in  1743,  1751  and  1760, 

*  There  is  an  apparent  discrepancy  of  dates,  owing  to  "Old   and  New- 
Style." 


Appendix.  277 

and  from  1751  until  his  death  in  1761,  City  Treasurer.  His  son 
Samuel,  on  the  father's  death,  succeeded  him  a>;  Treasurer.  He  was 
also  Mayor  two  years,  1769  and  1771,  and  ser\ed  two  terms  in  the 
Assembly,  1771  and  1773.  He  likewise  had  other  positions  of  trust. 
Like  most  Friends  he  disapproved  of  the  Revolutionary  War,  and  as 
a  consequence  his  property  was  confiscated.  He  went  to  New  York, 
where  he  was  of  much  service  to  American  prisoners  during  the  war. 
A  portion  of  the  time  he  spent  in  England,  and  while  there,  had  an 
interview  with  George  HI,  under  the  auspices  of  his  friend  Benjamin 
West.  The  King  asked  him,  "why  the  Province  of  Pennsylvania 
impro\'ed  more  than  the  neighboring  Provinces,  some  of  which  had 
been  earlier  settled?"  Samuel  politely  replied  to  this  German  King, 
"  it  was  principally  due  to  the  Germans  ;  "  and  the  King  as  politely 
rejoined,  "  that  the  improvement  was  principally  due  to  the  Quakers." 
The  King  was  pleased  that  he  could  speak  German,  and  the  Queen 
wept  when  he  spoke  of  the  death  of  his  children.  Samuel  concluded 
that  so  kind  a  husband,  and  considerate  a  man,  could  not  be  a  tyrant. 
He  returned  to  this  country  in  1789,  and  got  back  a  portion  of  his 
property,  which  was  secured  to  him  by  the  Treaty  of  Peace  of  1783. 
He  died  in  1800.  During  his  residence  in  Philadelphia,  he  built  a 
fine  country-seat  in  Germantown,  on  Main  St.  above  Washington 
Lane.  This  was  erected  about  1760.  During  the  Revolutionary 
War  it  was  filled  with  tailors  and  shoemakers,  employed  in  making 
goods  for  the  army.  Of  latter  years  it  was  known  as  "  Pomona," 
and  belonged  to  Amos  R.  Little. 

A  writer  speaking  of  this  period  says,  "  There  are  no  names 
more  cherished  at  home,  and  more  deservedly  known  abroad,  than 
those  of  Wister,  Shoemaker,  Muhlenberg,  etc."  The  late  Samuel  M. 
Shoemaker,  of  Baltimore,  who  stood  very  high  in  the  community,  and 
was  extensively  engaged  in  commercial  enterprises,  was  a  grandson 
of  Samuel,  the  Mayor.  From  this  line  of  Isaac  and  Sarah,  descend 
what  is  known  as  the  Shoemaker-Rawle-Morris-Pennington  branch. 
For  a  fuller  account  of  them,  see  Keith's  "Provincial  Councillors." 
Isaac's  sister  Susanna,  married  on  the  4th  day  of  ist  Month,  1696, 
at  the  house  of  Richard  Wall,  according  to  the  good  order  of  Friends, 
Isaac,  son  of  Phillip  Price. 

Witnesses  present — William  Jenkins,  Richard  Wall,  Richard 
Townsend,  Jon.  Roberts,  Robert  Owen,  with  many  others.  From 
this   line  came   the   late    Eli   K.    Price,  who  in   a  little  \olume  called 


278  Appendix. 

"The  Family,"  has  traced  out  their  branch.  (leorgc  Shoemaker, 
the  eldest  of  the  emigrant  children,  did  not  marry  until  he  had 
been  in  this  country  eight  years  (probably  the  burden  of  supporting 
his  fatherless  brothers  and  sisters  came  on  him),  and  when  he  did, 
liis  selection  was  Sarah,  granddaughter  and  only  heir  of  Richard  Wall. 
The  venerable  old  marriage  certificate  is  still  owned  by  a  descendant, 
and  is  dated  12  Mo.  14th,  1694.  It  commences  thus:  "Whereas, 
Cieorge  Shoemaker  and  Sarah  Wall,  both  of  the  township  of  Chelten- 
ham, in  the  county  of  phylladelfia,  having  declared  theyre  Intentions 
of  taking  each  other  as  husband  and  wife  before  several  publique 
meetings  of  the  people  of  God  called  Quakers,  according  to  the  good 
order  and  use  Amongst  them,  whose  proceedings,"  etc. 

George  signs  it  in  his  native  German  script,  while  Sarah  attaches 
her  new  name,  in  English,  in  a  bold,  clear  hand,  spelling  it  Shew- 
maker,  a  curious  variation  from  the  mode  in  which  her  numerous 
descendants  spell  the  now  wide-spread  name. 

Richard  Wall,  as  a  direct  ancestor  of  the  Shoemaker  family,  and 
from  the  prominent  position  he  held,  is  worthy  of  mention.  He  was 
an  English  Friend,  who,  according  to  the  Records  at  Harrisburg,  had 
several  tracts  granted  to  him  in  the  years  1682,  1683,  and  1684,  in 
Phila.  County,  on  the  Qucsenoming,  now  called  Tacony  Creek.  It 
consisted  of  600  acres  of  land,  most  beautifully  situated,  in  what  is 
now  the  heart  of  Chelton  Hills,  and  covered  with  many  of  the  hand- 
somest country-seats  around  Philadelphia. 

I  have  little  question,  that  his  house,  which  was  of  stone,  still 
stands,  and  forms  the  back  building,  or  rear,  of  Joseph  Bosler's  dwel- 
ling. It  was  quite  customary  in  those  days,  when  Meeting  Houses 
were  not  plentiful,  to  use  a  private  dwelling  for  the  purpose  of  wor- 
shipping in.  This  was  done  with  his  house  ;  the  meeting  being  after- 
ward known  as  Abington  Meeting  ;  though  at  the  early  period  in 
question,  called  Dublin  Meeting.  So  closely  identified  were  these, 
our  ancestors,  with  a  noteworthy  historical  incident,  that  it  must  be 
an  excuse  for  placing  it  here  in  full.  It  was  the  first  Protest  against 
Slavery  issued  in  this  country.  The  original  is  in  the  possession  of 
Friends  at  4th  &  Arch  Sts. 

"  This  is  to  the  Monthly  Meeting  held  at  Rigerts  Worrels.*    These 
are  the  reasons  why  we  are  against  the  traffick  of  mens-body  as  fol- 


*  Richard  Wall's. 


Appendix.  27Q 

loweth  :  Is  there  any  that  would  be  done  or  handled  at  this  manner? 
viz  :  to  be  sold  or  made  a  slave  for  all  time  of  his  life?  How  fearfull 
<^  fainthearted  are  so  many  on  sea,  w  lien  ■  they  see  a  strange  vessel, 
being-  afraid  it  should  l)e  a  Turck,  and  they  should  be  tacken  and  sold 
for  slaves  in  Turckey.  Now  what  is  better  done  as  Turcks  doe  ?  yea 
is  it  worse  for  them,  wch  say  they  are  Christians,  for  we  hear,  that  y' 
most  part  of  such  Negers  are  brought  heither  against  their  will  &  con- 
sent, and  that  many  of  them  are  stollen.  Now,  tho'  they  are  black, 
we  cannot  conceive  there  is  more  libertN'  to  ha\e  them  slaves,  as  it  is 
to  have  other  white  ones.  There  is  a  saj-ing,  that  we  shall  doe  to  all 
men,  licke  as  we  will  be  done  ourselves  :  macking  no  difference  of 
what  generation,  descent,  or  Colr)ur  they  are. 

"And  those  who  steal  or  robb  men,  and  those  who  buy  or  pur- 
chase them,  are  they  not  all  alicke.  Here  is  liberty  of  Conscience, 
wch  is  right  &  reasonable,  here  ought  to  be  lickewise  liberty  of  y" 
body,  except  of  evildoers,  wch  is  an  other  case.  But  to  bring  men 
hither,  or  to  robb  and  sell  them  against  their  will,  we  stand  against. 
In  Europe  there  are  many  oppressed  tor  Conscience  sacke  ;  here  there 
are  many  oppressed  wch  are  of  a  black  Colour.  And  we,  who  know, 
that  men  must  not  commit  adultery,  some  doe  committ  adultery  in 
others,  separating  wifes  trom  husbands,  and  giving  them  to  others, 
and  some  sell  the  children  of  those  poor  creatures  to  other  men. 
Oh  !  doe  consider  well  this  things,  you  who  doe  it,  if  you  would  be 
done  at  this  manner?  and  if  it  is  done  according  Christianity  ?  you 
surpass  Holland  cS:  ( iermany  in  this  thing.  This  mackes  an  ill  report 
in  all  those  Countries  of  Europe,  where  they  hear  off,  that  y''  Quakers 
doe  here  handle  men,  Licke  they  handle  there  y"  Cattle  ;  and  for  that 
reason  some  have  no  mind  or  inclination  to  come  hither.  And  who 
shall  maintaine  this  your  cause,  or  plaid  for  it?  Truel}'  we  can  not  do 
so,  except  you  shall  inform  us  better  hereofif,  \  iz  :  that  christians  have 
liberty  to  practise  this  thing.  Pray  I  What  thing  in  the  world  can  be 
worse  towarts  us  then  if  men  robb  or  steal  us  away  &  sell  us  for  slaves 
to  strange  Countries,  separating  housband  from  their  wife  and  chil- 
dren. Being  now  this  not  done  at  that  manner  we  will  be  done  at, 
thereforr  we  contradict  &  are  against  this  traffick  ot  men  body.  And 
we  profess  that  it  is  not  lawfull  to  steal,  must  lickewise  avoid  to  pur- 
chase such  things  as  are  stolen,  but  rather  hel]i  to  stop  this  robbing 
and  stealing  if  possible,  and  such  men  ought  to  be  delivered  out  of  y"" 
hands  of  y'  Robbers,  and  set  free  as  well  as  in  Europe. 


280  Appendix. 

"Then  is  Pensilvania  to  have  a  good  report,  in  stead  it  hath  now 
a  bad  one  for  this  sacke  in  other  Countries.  Especially  whereas  y'' 
Europeans  are  desirous  to  know  in  what  manner  y''  Quakers  doe  rule 
in  their  Province,  &  most  of  them  doe  loock  upon  us  with  an  envious 
eye.  But  if  this  is  done  well,  what  shall  we  say,  is  done  evil?  If  once 
these  slaves  ( wch  they  say  are  so  wicked  and  stubborn  men)  should 
joint  themselves,  fight  for  their  freedom,  and  handel  their  masters  & 
mastrisses,  as  they  did  handel  them  before  ;  will  these  masters  &  mas- 
trisses  tacke  the  sword  at  hand  &  warr  against  these  poor  slaves, 
licke,  we  believe,  some  will  not  refuse  to  doe  ?  or  have  these  negers 
not  as  mvich  right  to  fight  for  their  freedom,  as  you  have  to  keep 
them  sla\'es  ? 

"  Now  consider  well  this  thing,  if  it  is  good  or  bad  ?  and  in  case 
you  find  it  to  be  good,  to  handle  these  blacks  at  that  manner,  we 
desire  &  require  you  hereby  lovingly  that  you  may  inform  us  herein, 
which  at  this  time  never  was  done,  Viz  :  that  Christians  have  liberty 
to  do  so,  to  the  end  we  shall  be  satisfied  in  this  point,  &  satisfie  licke- 
wise  our  good  friends  and  acquaintances  in  our  natif  Country,  to  whose 
it  is  a  terrour  or  fairfull  thing,  that  men  should  be  handled  so  in 
Pensilvania. 

"This  is  from  our  meeting  at  Germantown,  hold  y"  i8  of  the 
2  month,  1688,  to  be  deli^•ered  to  the  monthlv  meeting  at  Richard 
Warrel's  [Richard  Wall's]. 

gerret  hendericks,* 
derick  op  de  graefif,f 
Francis  daniell  Pastorius,;J; 
Abraham  op  den  graef"|| 
The  Germantown  Friends  having  thus  discharged  the  burden  of 
this  concern,  the  missive  shortly  came  before  the  Monthly  Meeting, 
held  at  the  house  of  Richard  Wall.      The  disposition  which  this  made 
of  it  is  as  follows  : 

"At  our  monthly  meeting  at  Dublin,  y'  30,  2  mo.,  1688,  we 
having  inspected  y""  matter  above  mentioned  &  considered  it,  we  finde 
it  so  weighty,  that  we  think  it  not  Expedient  for  us  to  meddle  with  it 
here,  but  do  rather  committ  it  to  y^  consideration  of  y''  Quarterly 
meeting,  y''  tennor  of  it  being  nearly  related  to  y*"  truth. 

On  behalf  of  y"  monthly  meeting,      signed,  pr.     Jo.  Hart." 

*  Gerhard  Hendrick.      t  Dirck  Op  den  Graeff.      I  Francis  Daniel   Pastorius. 
II  Abraham  Op  den  Graeff. 


Appendix.  281 

It  then  passed  to  their  next  higher  meeting,  as  follows  : 
''This  above  mentioned  was  Read  in  our  Quarterly  meeting  at 
Philadelphia,  the  4th  of  y''  4  mo.,  '88,  and  was  from  thence  recom- 
mended to  the  Yearly  Meeting,  and  the  above-said  Derick  and  the 
other  two  mentioned  therein,  to  present  the  same  to  y"  above-said 
meeting,  it  being  a  thing  of  too  great  a  weight  for  this  meeting  to 
determine. 

Signed  by  order  of  y"  Meeting, 

Anthony  Morris." 

At  the  Yearly  Meeting  held  at  Burlington  the  5  day  of  7  mo., 
r688,  "A  paper  being  presented  by  some  German  Friends,  Concern- 
ing the  Lawfulness  and  Unlawfulness  of  buying  and  Keeping  Negroes, 
It  was  adjudged  not  to  be  so  proper  for  this  Meeting  to  give  a  posi- 
tive Judgement  in  the  case.  It  having  so  general  a  relation  to  many 
other  Parts,  and,  therefor,  at  present  they  forbear  it." 

It  is  not  strange  that  these  simple-hearted  people,  who  had 
sacrificed  so  much  in  order  to  secure  freedom  and  religious  toleration, 
should  have  \'iewed  with  sorrow  the  wrong  done  their  colored  breth- 
ern  ;  and  they  deser\'e  great  credit  for  the  effort  made  against  an  evil 
that  baffled  all  attempts  at  its  remedy  by  our  greatest  statesmen,  for 
nearly  two  centuries. 

A  few  years  after  the  marriage  of  his  granddaughter,  Richard 
Wall  found  his  health  failing,  and  made  his  Will  as  follows  : 

"  In  the  name  of  God,  Amen,  the  fifteenth  day  of  the  first  month. 
Anno  Domini  1697-8,  I,  Richard  Wall,  being  weak  in  body,  but  of 
perfect  mind  and  memory,  thanks  be  the  Lord  for  it,  do  hereby  make 
and  ordain  this  my  last  Will  and  Testament,  that  is  to  say.  Principally 
and  first  of  all,  I  recommend  my  soul  and  spirit  unto  the  hands  of  our 
faithful  Creator  and  Saviour,  my  body  to  be  buried  in  a  Christian  like 
and  decent  manner,  at  the  discretion  of  my  dear  wife,  and  executrix, 
and  as  to  touching  such  worldly  estate,  wherewith  it  hath  pleased 
God  to  bless  me  in  this  wilderness,  I  dispose  of  the  same  in  the  fol- 
lowing way  and  form.      Imprimis,  (S:c. 

One  bequest  is  the  following  : 

"  Item.  I  freely  give  and  bequeath  unto  Friends  of  Cheltenham 
Meeting  a  certain  tract  o(  land  containing  about  six  acres,  lying  and 
being  at  the  South  West  end  of  the  .S''  my  plantation,  and  this  piece 
of  land   I  give  for  a  burying  place,  and  for  the  only  and  sole  use  of 


282  Appendix. 

friends  of  the  now  mentioned  Cheltenham  Meeting.  And  I  do  here- 
with constitute,  make  and  ordain  the  above  said  my  granddaughter, 
Sarah  Shoemaker,  my  only  Executor,  requiring  that  this  my  last  will 
and  testament  may  in  all  points  be  accomplished  and  fulfilled.  In 
witness  whereof  I  have  hereunto  set  my  hand  and  seal." 

I  have  been  unable  to  find  any  record  which  furnishes  the  date 
of  Richard's  death  ;  but  my  reason  for  thinking  it  was  soon  after  his 
Will  was  made,  is  from  the  fact  that  he  makes  his  mark,  which  would 
indicate  extreme  weakness,  and  the  close  proximity  of  death,  as  I  have 
little  question  a  man  of  his  standing  knew  how  to  write. 

The  Burying  Ground  thus  provided  for,  is  beautifully  located  on 
Cheltenham  Ave.,  or  as  the  country  folks  called  it  in  times  past, 
' '  Grave  Yard  Lane. ' '  About  half  an  acre  is  enclosed  with  a  stone 
wall,  and  all  is  in  excellent  order  ;  owing  much  of  latter  time  to  the 
care  and  attention  bestowed  on  it  by  Robert  Shoemaker.  Almost  in 
the  middle  are  two  large  box-bushes,  under  which,  tradition  says, 
lie  the  bodies  of  Richard  Wall  and  his  wife. 

It  is  said  a  Log  Meeting  House  at  one  time  stood  alongside  of 
the  ground  ;  if  this  was  so,  all  traces,  even  of  the  foundation,  have 
gone  ;  so  it  cannot  be  verified.  The  Ground  has  always  gone  by  the 
name  of  "  Shoemaker  Burying  Ground  ;  "  but  as  we  have  seen  in  the 
Will,  it  is  not  strictly  a  family  one,  though  as  a  matter  of  fact,  the 
majority  of  those  interred  there  bear  the  name  of  Shoemaker,  or  are 
allied  to  it  by  marriage.  About  a  150  years  ago,  Cheltenham  Meet- 
ing was  absorbed  by  Abington  Meeting,  and  since  that  time  this 
burial  place  has  been  held  by  Trustees  (Special),  appointed  by  the 
Meeting.  Of  late,  few  interments  have  taken  place  within  its  limits. 
The  earliest  stone  is  that  of  Isaac,  dated  8  Mo.  23d,  1741.  Friends 
in  those  days  did  not  approve  of  marking  the  last  resting  place  of  the 
departed,  so  that  there  are  comparatively  few  stones.  For  the  follow- 
ing list  of  those  named  Shoemaker,  interred  here,  I  am  indebted  to 
Robert  Shoemaker  : 

8  Mo.  23d,  1741,  Isaac,  son  of  George  &  Sarah  Shoemaker, 
aged  41. 

1758,  Elizabeth,  wife  of  Isaac.      (Not  the  Isaac  above.) 

1762,  Amy,  Widow  of  Abraham. 

1764,  George,  "  of  Cheltenham." 

1764,  Dorothy,  widow  of  Isaac  who  died  in  1741. 

1764,  Isaac. 


Appendix.  283 

1765,  Elizabeth,  daughter  of  Isaac. 

1775,  Benjamin,  son  of  Isaac. 

1775,  Arnold. 

1779,  Isaac,  son  of  John  &  ElizaJDeth,  aged  24. 

1782,  Susanna,  wife  of  William. 

1783,  Elizabeth,  daughter  of  Jonathan. 
1783,  Sarah,  daughter  of  George. 

1 793-  3  Mo.  17th,  Mary,  wife  of  Benjamin.  (Grandmother  of 
M.  S.  L.) 

T793,  ro  Mo.  22nd,  Benjamin,  Jr. 

1793,  II  Mo.  14th,  Mary  Allen  Shoemaker. 

1793.  II  Mo.  15th,  Mary,  wife  of  Thomas.  (The  writer's  great- 
grandmother.  ) 

1795,  5  Mo.  30th.  Elizabeth,  wife  of  John. 

1811,  Benjamin.  (His  wife  was  a  Comly  &  died  in  1793,  see 
above.) 

1826.  8  Mo.  1 2th,  Mary,  daughter  of  Thomas  &  Hannah,  aged 
20  years. 

1827,  Hannah,  wife  of  Thomas. 

1837,  2  Mo.  nth,  Thomas  (Husband  of  Mary  who  died  1793). 
Aged  74. 

1 84 1,  II  Mo.,  Ellis  C,  aged  21  years. 

1843,  Comly,  son  of  Benjamin  &  Mary,  aged  68. 

1845,  Sarah,  widow  of  Comly. 

1849,  12  Mo.  23d,  Martha,  widow  of  Robert,  aged  90.  (Grand- 
mother of  Robert  &  Benjamin  ;  her  husband  died  of  Yellow  Fever  in 
1795,  and  was  interred  at  4th  &  Arch  Sts.) 

1852,  6  Mo.  1 2th,  Margaret,  widow  of  Thomas.  (He  had  three 
wives. ) 

There  were  other  interments,  not  noted,  but  which  we  are  almost 
sure  took  place,  as  for  instance,  George,  and  his  wife,  Sarah  Wall 
vShoemaker,  etc. 

After  the  death  of  Richard  Wall  the  place  began  to  be  known  as 
Shoemaker's,  and  as  a  litde  village  grew  up,  it  naturally  took  on  the 
name  of  Shoemakertown. 

>1<  *  ^  H<  ^  *  * 

A  small  number  of  the  family  of  George  and  Sarah  Wall  Shoe- 
maker remain  around  the  old  site  at  .Shoemakertown,  many  have 
located  in  the  neighboring  counties,   a  few  drifted   back  to  the  first 


284  Appendix. 

home  of  the  family  in  Germantown,  while  others  again  have  wandered 
to  the  remotest  parts  of  the  country.  It  is,  however,  a  little  remark- 
able, that  so  many  have  remained  true  to  the  faith  for  which  their 
ancestors  sacrificed  their  home  and  country,  settling  in  a  wilderness, 
in  order  to  enjoy  religious  toleration. 

Thos.   H.  Shoemaker. 

Germaxtowx,  Ninth  Month   Rth,  TS92. 

[The  above  is  the  early  pari  oi  an  elaborate  account,  prepared  by  T.  H. 
S.,  of  these  worthy  ancestors,  and  their  numerous  descendants.  In  the  re- 
maining portion  he  traces  the  different  lines  down  to  the  present  day,  and  gives 
a  number  of  incidents  and  anecdotes— some  recorded,  and  some  traditional — 
which,  taken  in  their  several  connections,  form  a  history  of  great  interest  to  the 
family,  and  one  which  would  be  valuable  to  the  Society  of  Friends. — P^d.] 


LOUIS     KOSSUTH, 


LIFE  OF  THE  MA  G  YA  B  LEADER 


A   CAREER    DEVOTED    TO    THE    "WELFARE 
OF    THE     COMMON    PEOPLE. 


HIS    FAMOUS    NEWS    LETTER- -THE    "WAR    FOR    IN- 
DEPENDENCE—PATRIOTS     IN      EXILE— VISIT 
TO      AMERICA— A      PICTURE      OF      THE 
ORATOR— LATER  EFFORTS  IN  BE- 
HALF OF   HUNGARY— CLOS- 
ING TEARS  AT  TURIN. 
With    the   death    of   Louis    Kossuth— long   ex- 
pected and    often    prematurely    reported — one  of 
the  last  of  the  historic  figures  of     the     century- 
passes  forever  from  the  European  stage.      If  he 
wag  not  the  greatest     of     those    figures,  he  was 
among  the  greatest,  and  was  perhaps  second  to 
none  in  the  affection  and  lasting  loyalty  he  in- 
spired In   the   hearts   of   his   countrymen.       Nor 
was   such   esteem     confined     to     Hungary.       In 
France,    despite   the   hostile     influences     of     the 
monarchy,  his  name  was  held     in     reverence  at 
the  time  of  his  great  struggle  for  Hungarian  in- 
dependence.      In   England  he  was  honored  and 
beloved   as   perhaps   no    other   foreigner   of    this 
century  has  been.      And  when  he  came  to  Amer- 
ica, as  the  guest  of  the  Nation,  he  was  greeted 
with   an  enthusiasm     paralleled     only     by   that 
ehown  for  Lafayette.      He  outlived  almost  every 


LOUIS     KOSSUTH. 


COLUMBIA  UNIVERSITY 


0035522402 


958.96 
Lippincott 


L664 


4  1952 


BEN  DEW 
R-106 


BRITTLE  DO  NOT 
PHOTOCOPY 


